REASONS AND CONDITIONS
The church employs prayer to make effective the word, the name, and the Spirit of God in fulfilling her divine mandate (Acts 2:42). God listens to the church (Jeremiah 33:3; Matthew 18:19). The church needs prayer for constant fellowship with God and with one another (Acts 2:42); for exhortation and edification, the building of the faith of believers in God (Heb. 10:25; 1 Timothy 3:10) and to remind God of His promises to protect His Church from the attack of the enemy (Matthew 16:18). The church also prays for the demonstration of God’s power through miracles, signs and wonders (Acts 5:12; 12:5).
For the prayer of the church to be effective and result-oriented, the members must live in holiness as saints of God because the prayer of a sinner is an abomination unto God (Pro.15:8). The church members must relate with singleness of heart and be united in faith (Acts 2:1; 4:25; 2 Peter 1:1). Such prayer must be scripture-based (Dan. 9:2-3), specific (Acts 4:29-30), fervent (James 5:16), spirit-led (Romans 8:26; Jude 29) and with the assurance of response from God (Acts 4:31; 1 John 5:14-15).
SCOPE AND RESULTS
The prayer of the church should cover Sinners’ conversion (Acts 2:21); Family needs (Acts 16:32); Nation’s request (Romans 10:1-3); People in authority and all men (1 Timothy 2:1-4); Church leaders (Colossians 4:3-4); Church work (Matthew 16:18-19); Individual requests (James 5:13); Wrestling territorial powers (James 5:13); etc. The essence of prayer is its results. The church prayed for Peter with unity and God answered speedily (Acts 12:5-11). Similarly, the church prayed desperately for unction to function and this turned around the course of the church (Acts 4:31). Hence, the earnest and sincere heart-prayers of the church, based upon the word of God, accomplish much. The results include; God’s presence and power (Acts 4:31); The boldness of the Saints to witness (Acts 14:3);
Empowerment of believers for exploits (Acts 4:33); Growth of the church (Acts 5:12-14); Spiritual strength and maturity (Col. 1:9-11).
Prosecution of the world evangelisation through mission outreaches (Acts 13:1-3); Miracles, signs and wonders (Acts 5:12); God’s visitation to release incarcerated saints (Acts 12:5-11).
CONCLUSION
Prayer makes the church grow, glow and gracious. The major hindrance to the prayer of the church is sin and disunity.
RCCG UK AND IRELAND SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL EDITION 2020/2021
