08.16.2026 | Devoted to Prayer: Followers of the Way
Acts 2:42 (NIV) They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
What does it look like, what does it mean to be devoted to prayer?
1. Together (across gender and ethnicity)
Acts 1:14 (NLT) They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.
“Let God turn your prayer life into a life of prayer.”
- Doug Small
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Acts 4:24-33 (NIV) When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:
“‘Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth rise up
and the rulers’ band together
against the Lord
and against his anointed one.
Indeed, Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.
Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
The Believers Share Their Possessions
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all
2. Worship
Acts 4:24b (NIV) Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.
Matthew 6:9b (NKJV) Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
3. Alignment
Matthew 6:10 (NKJV) Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:12 (NKJV) And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
4. Request
Acts 4:29-30 (NIV) Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.
Matt. 6:11 (NKJV) Give us this day our daily bread.
Matt. 6:13b (NKJV) But deliver us from the evil one.
We partner in prayer by surrendering to His will and then contending for His will.
Prayer first changes us, then the world around us!
Pray for the church to be one
John 17:20-21 (NIV) My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
Pray for the Charlotte Crusade
2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
John 3:16 (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Questions for discussion/reflection:
1. When do you pray
2. Why do you pray?
3. How can you set yourself up for success in consistent prayer?
4. What are things on your heart to lift up in prayer?
5. Have you ever experienced God changing you through prayer that may have been focused beyond you?