From the Book of Acts: “The Prayers Needed by the Disciples and Apostles”

 

From the Book of Acts: “The Prayers Needed by the Disciples and Apostles” 

Acts 2:1 When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all together in one place.

Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like the rushing of a violent wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

Acts 2:3 And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which separated and came to rest on each of them.

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in various tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to utter. 

Type	Meaning	Effectiveness	Purpose	Application	Related Scripture
Prayer that brings the outpouring of the Spirit	Praying oneself into God and God into oneself	Brings the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, uniting believers with God	For believers to experience the outpouring Spirit and be utterly revived	Praying perseveringly with one accord, waiting for the filling of the Holy Spirit	Acts 1:14, 2:1-4, 2:16-17a
Prayer that shakes the earth	Changing environment through prayer, overcoming real limitations	Shakes the earth, empowers disciples with the Holy Spirit to speak God's word boldly	To overcome lies and obstacles in the environment for the spread of the gospel	Praying with one accord according to God's word, asking for divine power in Jesus' name	Acts 4:24-31
Prayer that equips for the ministry of the word	Enables apostles to focus on word ministry	Allows apostles to devote themselves to prayer and ministry of the word	For apostles to effectively fulfill their ministry of the word	Delegating daily affairs to others, focusing on prayer and word ministry	Acts 6:4
Prayer that brings one into ecstasy	Enabling believers to come out of themselves into more intimate communion with God	Brings heavenly visions and revelations	To receive God's vision and guidance	Regular prayer, entering into conversation with the Lord	Acts 10:9-16, 22:17-21
Prayer that opens prison doors	Believers' earnest intercession for imprisoned co-workers	Miraculously releases imprisoned apostles	To continue the work of the gospel and truth	The church praying earnestly for imprisoned believers	Acts 12:4-14
Prayer that brings one into the Lord's commission	Enables believers to understand and accept God's sending	Leads believers into God's will and mission	To fulfill the Great Commission and the Lord's entrustment	Fasting and praying, listening to the Holy Spirit's guidance	Acts 13:1-4
Prayer that brings great earthquake	Singing praises to God even in trials	Shakes prison foundations, opens prison doors	For imprisoned believers to be released, witnessing God's power	Praying and singing hymns to God in difficult situations	Acts 16:23-26
Prayer that brings the Lord's speaking	Enables believers to hear God's voice and instructions	Leads believers into direct communion with the Lord	To receive God's specific guidance and revelation	Praying in the temple, waiting for the Lord's speaking	Acts 22:17-21

 

These prayers demonstrate how the prayer life of the early church disciples and apostles promoted the organic building up of the Body of Christ. Their prayers not only transformed individuals but also shook environments, opened doors for the gospel, and enabled them to receive God's commission and power. This pattern of prayer teaches today's believers that genuine and effective prayer is to pray ourselves into God and God into us, enabling us to work with God to fulfill His will.

 

*Please refer to the April 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training General Topic: One Accord and the Vital Aspects of Acts Chapter 3: Maintaining One Accord through the Three Realities of Power in the Lord’s Recovery—Prayer, the Spirit, and the Word