1. The Prayers of the Church Lesson 9 “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” -- Acts 2:42

2. The Power of Prayer God is “able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20) He is an all powerful, loving Father who is disposed to grant the requests of His children (Matthew 7:7-11; 1 John 5:14-15) –Prayer gives us direct access to God and to His limitless power and grace (Hebrews 4:16) “We cannot wear it out or use it up.” –Yet, its full potential cannot be tapped without faith on our part! (Mark 11:22-24; James 1:5-7)

3. The New Testament Emphasizes the Practice & Power of Collective Prayer Prior to Pentecost (Acts 1:13-14) Daily in the early church (Acts 2:42) In the face of persecution (Acts 4:23-31; 12:5, 12) In organizing the church and furthering its work (Acts 6:1-6; 13:1-3; 14:23; 20:36) As a means of expressing love and compassion among brethren (Acts 20:36; 21:3-5)

4. The New Testament Emphasizes the Practice & Power of Collective Prayer Prayer was to be offered by men everywhere “without wrath and disputing” (1 Tim. 2:1-3, 8 ASV) Brethren were to “strive together” in prayers for the furtherance of the gospel (Romans 15:30-32) Collective prayer was to be an integral and edifying aspect of the worship assembly (1 Cor. 14:14-16) –“One man leads our group in our petitions to God and we add our hearty Amen to establish our agreement to what he said.” –“Praying together is one of the most intimate activities brethren can share with one another.”

5. How to Offer Acceptable Prayer Lesson 10 “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers: But the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” -- 1 Peter 3:12

6. Acceptable and Effective Prayer Preceded by Righteous living (1 Peter 3:10-12) –God does not require sinlessness from those who approach Him (Luke 18:13-14; James 5:16) –But He does expect those who approach Him to respect His will and seek to live righteously (Psalm 66:18; Prov. 15:29; 28:9; 1 John 3:20-21) Offered in the name of Christ (John 14:13-14; Ephesians 5:20; Colossians 3:17) –This involves more than what one says at the end of a prayer; we approach the Father through Christ (Ephesians 2:18; Hebrews 4:14-16)