One of the most fascinating books in the Bible is the one penned by Luke, the book of Acts. Every time I read the first few chapters and see the early church in action, my heart shifts into fourth gear, and it’s rolling! What an awesome privilege to be involved in the much later years of continuing the ministry of Jesus Christ, not because of who and what we are, but because of Who and What He is!! Does it get any better than that???? Wow!
In the second chapter, I find a word that resonates in my heart . . . continue (2:42, 46-47). These passages read, They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
The word continue means to “give constant attention to” (2:42) and “to continue all the time in a place” (2:46). The first definition speaks of a daily attitude toward prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and the second refers to set times of corporate prayer. Put the two together and you see that no matter when the church meets, whether on a Sunday or in someone’s home or at a small group fellowship gathering or in a leadership meeting, prayer is always a part of that meeting. Interesting that the second word is in the present tense, therefore, this praying in community never stops; it is always an essential element of corporate gatherings no matter the size. And may I add, I really believe that this time of prayer is not just for the food or a brief time of prayer so we can move onto the rest of our business, service, or activity. Prayer as we see in the early church was indeed their declaration of total dependence upon God!
If Boones Creek Bible Church is to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ as it moves forward through its 60th year of ministry, we MUST CONTINUE in prayer just as we see in Acts 2:42, 46. Truth is, the Church really did not begin at Pentecost. It all started in a prayer meeting in the Upper Room prior to Pentecost . . . These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication (Acts 1:14).
And they continued in prayer.
From A Pastor's Heart 