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In this article I want to illustrate from the Book of Acts the foundational place of prayer in the bringing to birth of new churches…

Prayer and the Birth of the Jerusalem Church

In the first four chapters of the Book of Acts we see the intensity of prayer in the birthing of The Church!

In Acts 1 they waited for 10 days in the Upper Room remaining constant in prayer. It says, ‘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’ (Acts 1:14)

When replacing Judas by selecting a new leader to take his place, it states, ‘Then they all prayed…’ (Acts 1:24)

In Acts 2, ‘On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven…’ (Acts 2:1-2)

It goes onto say that one of the four practices they devoted themselves to was prayer (Acts 2:42)

In Acts 3, at the time of prayer, Peter and John went up to the temple ‘to take part in the three o’clock prayer service’ (Acts 3:1). The fruit of prayer led to a dramatic miracle and powerful preaching that in turn led to ‘many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of believers now totaled 5,000 men, not counting women and children’ (Acts 3:4)

In Acts 4 the church met to intensify prayer after Peter and John were arrested. ‘As soon as they were freed, Peter and John returned to the other believers and told them what the leading priests and elders had said. When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God…’ (Acts 4:23-24)

‘After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness’ (Acts 4:31)

Prayer and the Birth of the Church Amongst the Gentiles

In the Birthing of the Church amongst the Gentiles in Acts 10, we find Cornelius in prayer at 3pm on one day and Peter in prayer at 12pm on another day!

‘[Cornelius] was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God. One afternoon about three o’clock, he had a vision in which he saw an angel of God coming toward him. “Cornelius!’ the angel said. Cornelius stared at him in terror, “What is it, sir,” he asked the angel. And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering!’ (Acts 10:2-4)

‘The next day as Cornelius’s messengers were nearing the town, Peter went up on the flat roof to pray. It was about noon, and he was hungry. But while a meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance…’ (Acts 10:9-10)

Two independent people praying birthed the church in Caesarea, the first church amongst the Gentiles!

Prayer and the Birth of the Church throughout Galatia

In the Birthing of the Church throughout Galatia, we see the leaders of the church in Antioch in prayer, fasting and worshiping;

‘Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called the black man), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul. One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way. So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit…’ (Acts 13:1-4a)

When their mission trip came to an end, they completed their work by appointing elders for each church with Prayer and Fasting! (See Acts 14:23)

Prayer and the Birth of the Church in Europe

In the Birthing of the Church in Europe, again, we see prayer was foundational!

‘That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia to help us!” So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there…’ (Acts 16:9-10)

‘On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there.’ (Acts 16:13)

‘One day as we were going down to the place of prayer…’ (Acts 16:16)

‘Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening…’ (Acts 16:25)

Every major development in the planting of the Church in Philippi was preceded by prayer!

The Pattern of ‘Birthing Well’

In all these spiritual ‘firsts,’ we see how prayer was foundational to the birthing of the church in each place…

-The worldwide birth of the church in Jerusalem
-The birth of the first church amongst the Gentiles at Cornelius’ house
-The birth of the churches throughout Cyprus and Galatia
-The birth of the first church in Europe through the household of Lydia

They Continued in Prayer

The Churches not only began in prayer, but the disciples devoted themselves to prayer, and the apostolic teams continued to pray for the churches once they had been planted

Here is an article on how they prayed for the various churches throughout the New Testament!

How important is prayer in the birthing of the churches you are planting?