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God is Inviting Us to Pray - Part 1
God is calling His people to pray!
He is inviting us — His Church — to come before Him in prayer.
Isaiah 56:7 says, "For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations."
God expects His people to pray — and to pray always. Prayer is not an option; it is the heartbeat of the Church. Right from the throne of heaven, God is inviting us to pray like never before.
It was prayer that changed the history of the Church! Remember the 120 believers in Jerusalem — they prayed together for ten days, waiting upon the Lord. And it was through their prayers that the Holy Spirit was poured out.
Today, God is looking at His Church again. He is looking at you and me.
He is expecting His people to pray — more than ever before.
A Praying Church: The Story of Paul Yonggi Cho’s Church
Let’s look at a living testimony of what prayer can do. The largest church in the world is found in Seoul, South Korea. It was founded in 1958 by Pastor Paul Yonggi Cho, along with his wife and his mother-in-law. They started very small — just in a humble little house.
But what they did right from the beginning was to focus on prayer.
They taught every person, every family, every household to pray. They didn’t focus on entertainment or programs. They built the church on worship, prayer, praise, and meditation on God's Word.
And what happened? The church grew miraculously! At one point, more than 250,000 believers were attending. Their prayer request every year was simple yet bold — "Lord, grant us 30,000 new baptisms this year." And God answered — every single year!
Even today, prayer continues powerfully in that church. Every morning, two prayer services are held. The first one starts at 5:00 AM. But if you want to attend, you must arrive at 4:00 AM — and still, you will find a one-mile-long queue outside!
Their church building can seat 21,000 people at a time. Yet the crowd overflows — people wait outside, in adjoining buildings, and even watch through satellite broadcasts.
On Friday nights, the entire church gathers for all-night prayer meetings, filling the sanctuary with 21,000 people, praying until morning!
Today, even after sending out many branch churches, the main church has more than 800,000 members.
On Sundays, they hold 7 worship services back-to-back.
They have 179 pastors serving the people.
And each service is translated into 16 different languages.
My beloved, this is the power of a praying church! This is what prayer can do! God is inviting our church also into this kind of revival.
Only a Praying Church Will See Revival
Revival does not come through activities. It does not come through talents or abilities. Revival comes only through prayer!
When the Church prays, heaven opens.
When the Church prays, lives are changed.
When the Church prays, nations are healed.
God is calling our church to step into this revival through prayer!
What is Revival?
Revival is not just emotional excitement. It is not about crowds alone.
Revival means the character of God's people is transformed. When believers truly pray, they change from the inside out — and that change overflows to society.
In 1904–1905, a mighty revival broke out in Wales, a small country to the west of England. During that revival, crime vanished! The London Times interviewed a senior police officer asking, "What did the police do during the revival, since there was no crime?" The officer replied, "We go to churches and help them manage the traffic because so many people are coming to worship. The rest of the officers sing together in churches!" That is what revival looks like when prayer fills the land!
Our Application: What Should We Do Now?
Today, many churches have become tired and weary because they have looked at too many things apart from prayer.
It is time to return to the foundation — to prayer.
It is time to seek God with all our hearts.
It is time to cry out for revival once again.
Here’s what we must do:
- Church must praise God continually.
(Psalm 100:4)
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise!
- Church must proclaim Jesus boldly.
(Psalm 40:9; Matthew 28:19–20; Matthew 24:14)
We must speak of His salvation everywhere.
- Church must receive the power of healing and miracles.
(James 5:14–15)
Let us lay hands, pray, and expect God to work.
- Church must be prepared and made pure.
(Ephesians 5:26–27)
Christ is coming back for a holy and spotless bride.
- Church must hold and carry the Presence of God.
(Matthew 18:20)
Where two or three are gathered in His name, there He is in the midst!
Final Call: God is Inviting You!
Beloved,
God is standing at the door of your heart, and He is inviting you.
He is calling His church to return to prayer.
Will you answer His call?
Will you be a part of His revival?
Will you become His house of prayer?
Let us say “YES, LORD!”
Let us rise up as a Church of Prayer, a *Church of Power, and a Church of Revival!
AMEN.
Introduction: Our God Who Answers Prayer
​
Psalm 65:2 says,
"You who answer prayer, to you all people will come."
One of the greatest joys of coming to God is this:
He never sends us away empty-handed.
When we come to Him, we receive answers to our prayers.
In His hands are countless answers — more than enough for every need.
Millions knock on Heaven’s door every day, yet God never runs out of answers.
He never grows tired of listening. He never runs short of supply!
Maybe today you are wondering, "Will I receive a good answer from God?"
Here is the good news:
God has the perfect answer for you — timely, useful, and good!
Everyone who calls upon Him will find that He has more than enough.
Today, let’s look at the different kinds of answers God gives when we pray.
We will go through them one by one, and see the beauty of our answering God.
1. An Answer That Lifts You Out of a Horrible Pit
Psalm 40:2 —
"He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand."
Are you trapped today in a messy, painful, or shameful situation?
Are you struggling with ill-health, debts, joblessness, or broken relationships?
Is your life sinking into despair?
Hear this:
God will give you an answer that lifts you out of every horrible pit!
He will end your insults and shame. He will replace your sorrow with smiles.
Look at Hannah in the Bible.
She was mocked and provoked by her rival Peninnah because she had no children.
1 Samuel 1:6 says, "Her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her."
But Hannah did not give up praying.
She cried out to God — and God answered her prayer!
Her story changed, and she sang,
"My heart rejoices in the Lord… My mouth boasts over my enemies!"
(1 Samuel 2:1)
Beloved, God will put a big smile on your face too, as you keep praying!
2. The Power of Darkness Cannot Stop Your Answer
When Daniel prayed, God heard him the very first day.
But for 21 days, the "Prince of Persia" — a demonic power — delayed the answer.
Yet God sent Archangel Michael to fight and release the answer to Daniel! (Daniel 10)
No devil or demon can block the answer to your prayers!
In the name of Jesus, no delay will hold back what belongs to you.
Your story will not end in sorrow — your answers are coming, swiftly and surely!
3. An Unbelievable Answer to Prayer
Abraham was a 100-year-old man. His wife Sarah was 90.
By all human standards, their bodies were "as good as dead" (Romans 4:18-19).
Yet God gave them a child — Isaac — the fulfillment of His promise!
Beloved, never think your situation is too hard for God.
When you pray, God can do the unbelievable — miracles that defy age, science, and logic!
4. An Answer That Ends Long-Standing Problems
The woman with the issue of blood suffered for 12 years.
No doctor could heal her. But one touch of Jesus’ garment — and she was made whole! (Luke 8:43–48)
Though Jesus has ascended, we can still touch Him by prayer.
No matter how long your struggle has been, God will end it when you call upon Him.
5. An Answer Only God Can Give
Sometimes we run to people — to experts, specialists, friends — but nothing changes.
The woman with the issue of blood spent all her money on doctors — but grew worse! (Mark 5:25–30)
*Some answers only God can give.*
When human help fails, divine help steps in.
Trust God — He has the answer you need!
6. An Answer You Don't Deserve
The prodigal son wasted his inheritance and came back broken, feeling unworthy.
He said, "I am no longer worthy to be called your son..." (Luke 15:18–19)
Yet his father welcomed him back with open arms and threw a party!
Beloved, even when we feel unworthy, when we pray, God’s grace covers us.
He gives blessings we don’t deserve, because His mercy is greater than our mistakes!
7. An Answer That Comes with Fire
At Mount Carmel, Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal.
He declared, "The God who answers by fire — He is God!" (1 Kings 18:20–40)
The prophets of Baal cried out all day — but there was no response.
When Elijah prayed, fire fell from heaven instantly!
Today, God still answers by fire!
Every evil planted in your life, every sickness, every demonic oppression — will be consumed by His holy fire as you pray!
Matthew 15:13 says,
"Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots."
Also, Isaiah 65:24 promises:
"Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear."
When you pray, expect speedy answers — even before you finish praying, help is on the way!
8. An Answer You May Not Want to Hear — But Is Best for You
Sometimes God’s answer is not what we expected — but it’s what we truly need.
Paul prayed three times for God to remove a "thorn in the flesh."
God didn’t remove it. Instead, He said,
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Even Jesus prayed at Gethsemane, asking if the "cup" could be taken away.
But instead of removing the suffering, God strengthened Him to endure.
Sometimes the answer you don’t want is the very one that leads you to victory!
9. An Answer That Brings Forgiveness of Sins
One of the sweetest answers we receive when we pray is forgiveness.
Hebrews 4:16 invites us:
"Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
Isaiah 1:18 says,
"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow."
*David* cried out after his failure:
"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your lovingkindness; blot out my transgressions." (Psalm 51:1)
And God forgave him!
Beloved, when we come sincerely to God in prayer, no sin is too great for His mercy to wash away.
Closing Call: Keep Praying — God Will Answer!
No matter where you are,
No matter how hopeless it seems,
No matter how long you’ve waited —
*Keep praying.
Keep believing.
Keep expecting.*
God answers prayer!
And your answer is on the way!
Amen!
The Sleeping Church
Text: Matthew 26:36-46
Let’s read Matthew 26:36, 27, and 40.
In the Garden of Gethsemane, not everyone was given an invitation to come close.
Jesus shared His burden, His pain, His heartbeat — not with the crowds — but only with those who were close to Him.
Yet, even among them, even among those trusted disciples, prayer failed.
Today, in the Church, the same thing is happening.
While heaven is calling us to watch and pray, the Church is falling asleep.
Let us hear the alert from heaven!
- God is calling us to stay awake and pray (1 Thessalonians 5:5-6).
- Be observant, recognize the danger, and pray (Proverbs 22:3).
- Watch and pray with a sober mind (1 Peter 5:8).
- The Master will return at an unexpected hour (Matthew 24:50).
- You who are sleeping, wake up and pray! (Ephesians 5:14; Romans 13:11).
- Pray with the sight of an eagle — sharp, wide, and far (Job 39:27-29).
1. Sharp Eyes
(Job 39:27-29)
God’s heart for His Church is this:
Every minister, man, woman, youth, child — awake and praying!
Jesus warned His disciples in Mark 13:36-37:
"If He comes suddenly, do not let Him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: Watch!"
This command is for everyone —
The young and old, educated and uneducated, those with status and those without — all are called to pray!
Yet sadly, only a few churches today are truly alert in prayer.
In Revelation 3:1-4, the Church at Sardis appeared alive on the outside, but inside it was dead.
Why?
Because sin had crept in — many had soiled their garments.
Only a few remained undefiled.
Today’s Church chases popularity, when it should be chasing spirituality.
Prayer is happening — but only a few carry the burden.
Yet Scripture clearly calls all believers to be watchful and prayerful!
2. A Sleeping Church is Blind to Satan's Schemes
2 Corinthians 2:11 says,
"We are not unaware of his schemes."
In ministry, you must be aware of the devil’s weapons.
In Matthew 12:25, Jesus warned that division destroys a house.
Division is one of the devil’s favorite tools inside the Church.
He blinds us to the real enemy, making us attack one another — pastors, leaders, brothers, sisters.
But Ephesians 6:12 reminds us,
"Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil."
We must stop fighting each other and recognize who the true enemy is!
The devil knows that the greatest strength of the Church is unity (Psalm 133:1-3; Matthew 18:19).
If we are not spiritually alert, we will fall into his trap.
We say we are praying, but our hearts are filled with bitterness and unforgiveness.
But Jesus says in Matthew 5:24:
"If you remember your brother has something against you, leave your gift at the altar and be reconciled first."
Let us remove divisions today and walk in love!
3. When the Church Sleeps, Prayer Falls into the Hands of a Few
Isaiah 56:6-7 shows us:
God invites us all to His house of prayer.
But many believers have refused His invitation.
They themselves say, "I don’t pray at that level."
As a result, only a few are found praying — and those few carry the burden alone.
While prayer is happening, others are:
- Walking outside on their phones
- Praying with half a heart
- Constantly checking the clock
For them, prayer has become a burden, not a joy.
But prayer is not a burden — it is a relationship with God!
Every believer should desire to talk to God and enjoy His presence.
Because prayer is left to so few, the percentage of victory is also small.
Yet the Word says:
- One can chase a thousand; two can put ten thousand to flight (Deuteronomy 32:30-31; Joshua 23:10; Leviticus 26:8).
When the Church prays together, the Lord fights the battle for us!
Church is not a place for a few "special people" to pray —
Prayer is the lifestyle of every believer!
When the early Church needed men to serve food, they didn’t expect only the apostles to pray (Acts 6:1-7).
The whole Church shared the burden.
Today also — every believer must pray and carry the burden together*
4. The Watchman is Sleeping
Isaiah 62:6-7 says:
"I have posted watchmen on your walls; they will never be silent day or night."
Each of us is called to be a watchman:
- For our spouse
- For our children
- For our family
- For our church
- For our nation
We have no worldly weapons —
Our weapon is the Blood of Jesus in prayer! (2 Corinthians 10:3-4; Exodus 12:12-13)
If the Church does not watch and pray:
- It becomes a place of trade (Matthew 21:12-13; John 2:14-16)
- False doctrines creep in (Matthew 13:25)
- God rebukes the careless watchmen (Isaiah 56:10)
A true watchman *battles until everyone gets victory* (Exodus 3:20).
5. A Sleeping Church Misses the Times and Seasons
If we are not watchful, we cannot discern the time and season.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 says there is a time for everything.
1 Chronicles 12:32 tells us the men of Issachar understood the times.
You don’t need an astrologer to know the season.
Just sit at the feet of God and pray!
Look at Esther.
In Esther 4:12-14, she understood her season — and because of that, a nation was saved.
Closing with A Call to Pray:
In Matthew 26:45, Jesus asked,
"Are you still sleeping and resting?"
Let’s wake up, Church!
Let’s watch and pray!
The Lord is calling His Church to rise in prayer and be ready for His coming.
Pray Until Your Morning Comes
Psalm 30:5 — "For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."
Beloved, do not worry about how long your problem has lasted.
Do not fear how tough or challenging your season is.
Whatever you are facing — it will not last forever!
Your problems are temporary.
Your pain is not permanent.
Your night season will end.
The Word of God says, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."
You may be weeping today, but your morning of rejoicing is coming!
1. The Night Season of Job
Job faced a night season like no other.
Job 16:16 — "My face is red with weeping, deep shadows ring my eyes."
Job lost everything — his children, his home, his servants, his business, his health, his peace.
Maybe you have also lost much — blessings, opportunities, testimonies.
But today, the Lord says: Your morning is beginning!
Job 42:10 — "After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before."
A new season of restoration is coming!
God will give you double for your trouble.
Isaiah 61:7 — "Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance."
2. The Night Season of David
David too faced a dark night.
Psalm 42:3 — "My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, 'Where is your God?'"
People mocked David: "Where is your God now?"
Maybe you are facing the same accusations today.
They see you going to church, praying, and yet facing challenges — and they question you.
But there is only one answer:
God is changing your season!
Psalm 118:23 — "The LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes."
3. The Night Season of Hannah
Hannah’s nights were filled with tears because she had no child.
Are you also crying like Hannah?
Have you been praying for years — for a child, a marriage partner, a job, your career, your business, or your ministry?
Nothing seems to change — only tears.
But listen: Your morning is near!
1 Samuel 1:8 — "Her husband Elkanah would say to her, 'Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?'"
But when her morning came —
Her tears turned into laughter!
The yoke of delay was broken!
1 Samuel 1:19-20 —
"Early the next morning they worshiped before the LORD and then went back to their home. Elkanah lay with Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her."
God remembered her!
And He will remember you too!
To experience the joy of the morning, continue praying! Do not give up!
1 Samuel 1:7 reminds us —
Even when her rival provoked her during prayer, Hannah did not quit.
The enemy wanted to break her, but Hannah kept praying.
Today, as you keep praying, you are getting closer to your miracle!
Let us pray — for our morning is about to break forth!
4. The Night Season of Bartimaeus
Mark 10:46-52
Bartimaeus was blind and begging.
When he heard Jesus was passing by, he cried out: "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet.
The devil wanted to silence him because he was so close to his breakthrough.
But Bartimaeus refused to stay silent!
He cried out even louder — and his morning came!
Beloved, examine your prayer life today:
Have you grown weak? Have you lost interest?
The enemy knows your miracle is near — that’s why he’s trying to stop your prayer life!
Let us rise up and pray like never before!
5. Learn to Pray Like Jesus
Look at Hannah’s prayer.
1 Samuel 1:10-15 — "In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the LORD."
And look at Jesus:
Hebrews 12:2 — "...Jesus, for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame..."
Before the cross, before the crown — there was Gethsemane.
Before glory, there was agony.
Luke 22:44 — "And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground."
Even when His disciples slept, Jesus prayed.
Even if no one supports you — you must pray!
Jesus prayed alone.
He endured betrayal, denial, abandonment — because He had already won the battle in prayer!
Beloved, we too must get through our Gethsemane to see the glory God has prepared for us.
Let us pray — until we see our morning!
6. The Dawn is Beautiful
Hannah saw her dawn!
1 Samuel 2:21 — "The LORD was gracious to Hannah; she gave birth to three sons and two daughters."
God’s mercy, kindness, and favor will surround you.
Psalm 5:12 — "Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield."
When the dawn comes — you will overcome the enemy!
1 Samuel 2:1 — "My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high."
The enemy may have tried to stop you — but he will fail.
- Isaiah 37:36-37 — The Lord destroyed the enemies of Judah overnight.
- Judges 6:28 — Gideon tore down Baal’s altar.
- Numbers 23:1-23 — Balaam’s curses turned into blessings.
When your dawn comes — God will honor you!
- Esther 2:21-23, 3:1 — Mordecai was honored by the king.
- Esther 7:9-10 — Haman’s plans failed.
All of these victories came through prayer.
Esther and the Jews prayed and fasted until dawn broke over their lives.
Esther 4:1-3, 15-16
Beloved, Pray Until Your Morning Comes!
- Pray until your sorrow turns to joy!
- Pray until your night becomes day!
- Pray until your miracle is birthed!
Do not stop! Do not give up! Your dawn is near!
The Spirit of Prayer
Text: Zechariah 12:10
We read in Zechariah that the Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of Prayer.
Today, that same Spirit must be poured out upon us.
As long as we live, we must pray with sincerity.
If the Holy Spirit dwells in your heart, then the Spirit of Prayer will also live in you.
You don't need to become a prayer warrior before this Spirit is seen in you.
When the Holy Spirit lives in you, prayer will naturally flow from your life.
God has given us His Spirit because He desires deep, intimate connection with us.
He is not looking for a distant relationship, but one that is close and continuous.
That is why the Holy Spirit has been poured out—so we stay connected to God every single day (Joshua 2:28–29, Acts 2:39).
God values our prayer life deeply.
That’s why He gave us the Holy Spirit—to help us pray.
James 5:16 tells us that the heartfelt prayer of a believer has great power.
When you pray in the Name of Jesus, heaven responds!
Our prayers matter.
They can bring change to your life, your family, your church, and even your nation.
That is why the Lord is calling us to pray—because your prayers can achieve great things.
But the enemy knows this too.
That’s why he works so hard to keep us from praying.
Let’s look at 4 barriers that can block the Spirit of Prayer in our lives:
1. Rejecting the Burden of Prayer
Nehemiah 1:1–4
When Nehemiah heard about the broken walls of Jerusalem, something stirred in his heart.
It wasn’t just news to him—it was a call to prayer.
He immediately fasted and prayed because he understood: someone had to pray.
And God placed that burden on him.
There are things in our lives, churches, and nations today that need urgent prayer.
Like Nehemiah, we must feel that burden and act on it.
Some people only hear bad news and move on.
Others analyze and talk, but they don’t pray.
But Nehemiah prayed—and because of that, Jerusalem was restored.
When God places a burden on your heart, don’t ignore it.
He is inviting you to partner with Him through prayer.
Sometimes tiredness, laziness, or distractions stop us from praying—even when the Spirit is willing.
This is exactly what happened to the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36–46).
They knew something serious was happening, but sleep overcame them.
May God awaken us from spiritual sleep and stir up the Spirit of Prayer within us again!
2. Lack of Earnest Prayer
James 5:17–18
Elijah was a human just like us—but when he prayed earnestly, God moved in power.
Today, our prayers often lack focus and depth.
We get distracted during prayer—answering calls, thinking about food, or watching others.
These shallow prayers do not move heaven.
But when prayer is fervent, serious, and intentional, heaven responds mightily!
We see examples in:
- 1 Samuel 1:12–13 – Hannah prayed with intensity.
- Acts 4:23–31 – When the disciples prayed, the place was shaken.
- Luke 22:44 – Jesus prayed with such earnestness that His sweat became like blood.
Prayer is spiritual warfare.
Colossians 4:12 says we are wrestling in the Spirit when we pray.
If you’re in the boxing ring, and you stop to answer your phone—you lose focus, and the enemy strikes.
Let us return to earnest, focused prayer.
3. Growing Weary in Prayer Due to Unanswered Requests
Some people lose the will to pray because they haven’t seen answers yet.
They prayed, but nothing changed—so discouragement sets in.
Yes, we’ve all been there.
But consider David’s example in 2 Samuel 12:15–22.
When his child was sick, David fasted and prayed.
Yet, the child died.
Still, David didn’t give up on God. He worshipped and moved forward.
He knew that even when God said "no," He was still a good God.
David strengthened himself in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6).
He understood:
- If God didn’t give it, it’s because He had something better.
- God’s love for me hasn’t changed.
Some have walked away from God because they didn’t get what they prayed for.
But we must remember: God always knows what’s best.
Ephesians 3:20 says He can do far more than we ask or imagine!
So, don’t give up. Keep praying.
If God didn’t answer the way you expected, it might be because He was protecting you.
4. Self-Sufficiency Diminishes the Value of Prayer
Some people don’t see the need to pray.
They believe their education, experience, money, or connections are enough.
But that’s a lie.
Rejecting prayer is like telling God, “I can handle this without You.”
But the truth is—we need God for everything.
Revelation 3:17 shows us how the church in Laodicea was filled with self-confidence and pride.
They thought they didn’t need God.
But that attitude brought deep sorrow to the Lord.
The name of our God is El-Shaddai—Almighty God.
Only He is all-powerful.
We are not.
If we stop praying because we think we can manage on our own, we are rejecting the help of the Almighty.
Let us cast away pride.
Let us return to a place of dependence on God.
Let us pray about everything, trusting Him with every decision and need.
Conclusion
Let us not grieve the Holy Spirit by neglecting prayer.
He is the Spirit of Prayer—and He wants to work in us and through us.
Today, may the fire of prayer be rekindled in your life.
God is calling you.
He is drawing you near.
Will you respond?
Let us rise up and pray—with burden, with earnestness, without growing weary, and without pride.
Your prayers carry power.
Your prayers can change nations.
Let the Spirit of Prayer rest upon you today.
Amen.
The Power of a Praying Church
Text: Acts 4:23–31
When the Church prays, miraculous things happen.
And when the whole Church comes together in one heart and mind to pray—greater and mightier things begin to take place!
Why do I say this?
Because in Acts 4, when the believers prayed together in unity:
- The place where they gathered was shaken!
- They were all filled with the Holy Spirit!
- They began to testify with boldness!
- And the Church witnessed great power!
I believe with all my heart:
It is only through a praying Church that the power of God is revealed.
Only in a praying Church do miracles and signs take place.
Only in a praying Church do salvation and healing manifest.
Only in a praying Church is God glorified and worshipped in spirit and truth.
All of this happens only in a Church that prays!
Consider the late Pastor David Yonggi Cho—he taught his Church just two things:
1. Pray. 2. Witness.
Simple but powerful.
Let me tell you: God is always ready to fill any Church.
The problem is never with God—the problem lies with us.
Look at the early Church. Their pattern was constant prayer.
Now is the time for the Church to enter into a new dimension of corporate prayer.
Yes, we’ve learned how to pray individually. But many of us have forgotten how to pray together as one body.
In recent times, the Church has neglected united prayer.
We gather—but we do not pray.
And now, the Church is overwhelmed with problems:
- The Gospel struggles to move forward.
- Bold preaching is rare.
- Spiritual results in ministry are missing.
- Only the works of the flesh are visible.
- The deep working of the Holy Spirit has become rare.
It’s now a challenge to even appoint the right leaders for ministry.
The Church faces financial struggles—people give only when they feel like it.
There’s a lack of love and unity.
Few new souls are added.
Many are unwilling to surrender to God’s will.
Some resist spiritual authority and want to do things their own way—and this brings great division.
But let me be clear:
These are not the real problems.
The root problem is this:
The Church has lost its prayer life.
If we can restore prayer, we will find answers to every other problem.
When the Church prays with power, problems dissolve, and obstacles are removed.
When we pray, the Lord releases His favor!
A Praying Church is a Church of Revival
- No one will be late to the service.
- People will arrive early to worship.
- Our voices may not be great—but true worship comes from the heart.
- A Church that prays is a Church that worships.
- A Church that doesn’t pray will never know how to truly worship.
- When we pray, our worship will change—we’ll lift our hands, shout Hallelujah, Hosanna!
- We’ll stop worrying about who’s watching—we’ll worship in spirit and in truth!
A Praying Church is a Soul-Winning Church
Why are new souls not coming with repentance?
Because the Church has not been praying.
When the Church prays, souls will be saved.
We’ll be burdened for the lost.
We’ll reach our families, neighbors, and communities with the Gospel.
A Praying Church is a Giving Church
People won’t hesitate to give their time, their offerings, or their lives for the Lord.
There will be no need to question where the money is going—giving flows from a surrendered heart.
But if we don’t pray, we won’t give.
A Praying Church is a Spiritual Church
The flesh will not operate.
There will be no bickering or quarrels over petty issues.
Instead, the Church will look to God, grow in Him, and walk in spiritual maturity.
Gifts of the Spirit will be active—not cold or stagnant.
A praying Church supports and uplifts one another.
The Main Problem: Lack of Unity in Prayer
2 Chronicles 7:14 says,
"If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
We must learn the power of corporate prayer.
There should be a strong spiritual atmosphere in our Sunday services and prayer gatherings.
The Church must encounter the power of God—it must become a praying Church!
Four Marks of a Praying Church
1. A Praying Church Desires to Pray Continually
In Acts 3, we see Peter and John going to the temple at the hour of prayer.
They had:
- A time to pray
- A place to pray
- A desire to pray
Why?
Because Jesus had taught them to pray.
They asked, “Lord, teach us to pray.” (Matt. 6:9–13)
In Acts 4, when Peter and John were imprisoned, the Church didn't plan a protest or call a committee—they called for prayer.
Acts 4:24 says, “They raised their voices together in prayer to God.”
They didn’t wait to be told.
The Church responded on its own—mature believers know it’s time to pray.
2. A Praying Church Puts Its Hope in God
When the early Church faced opposition, they didn’t look to man or to the authorities.
They turned to God.
Acts 4:24: “They raised their voices together in prayer to God.”
They knew that every situation is under God’s control.
Psalm 62:5 – “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him.”
We must lift our eyes to the hills (Psalm 121:1), for our help comes from the Lord.
Isaiah 64:24: “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.”
He hears and answers when we cry out.
The praying Church fixes its eyes on God—not on people.
Acts 4:27–28 reminds us that even Herod and Pilate could only do what God allowed.
God is sovereign. His will prevails.
3. A Praying Church Boldly Proclaims the Gospel
Acts 4:29:
"Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness."
Notice—
They didn’t ask for protection.
They didn’t pray that such threats would never come again.
They prayed for boldness to proclaim the Gospel!
Let that fire burn in our hearts!
Let us be burdened for souls.
John 4:35 says, “Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”
Pray for the lost.
Sow with tears, and you will reap with joy.
4. A Praying Church Reveals the Power of the Holy Spirit
Acts 4:31:
"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."
This was after Pentecost—yet still, the Holy Spirit moved powerfully again.
The Church was filled afresh!
Matthew 28:19–20 tells us to go and make disciples—but we cannot do it without the power of the Holy Spirit.
When we pray in Zion, the Spirit moves.
Miracles happen when we pray according to God’s will.
People will be saved.
Lives will be transformed.
If the Holy Spirit comes, we will never be the same!
If We Pray…
- We will Praise.
- We will Testify.
- We will Give.
- We will Walk Spiritually.
- We will Preach the Gospel.
Let the Church become a House of Prayer once again!
Let every believer unite in prayer.
Let us lift our eyes to God, put our hope in Him, proclaim His Word boldly, and be filled afresh with the Holy Spirit!
Amen.