prayer Archives

Four Characteristics of the First Church (Acts 2:42-47)

The first church is marked by devotion to four things: the apostles teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers. Examining each one gives us an opportunity to evaluate our own spiritual communities and to identify opportunities for growth. We also consider how miraculous signs and wonders confirmed the gospel message in the beginning. We conclude

Four Characteristics of the First Church (Acts 2:42-47) View Lesson

Colossians in One and a Half Lessons - Part B

In this teaching we first tackle the question of why Paul wrote this letter (to address two doctrinal challenges facing the church). In addressing those problems, Paul develops the foundational idea that since Christians have died and been buried with Christ, we must now be raised with Him. This concept has profound implications regarding baptism and how we live

Colossians in One and a Half Lessons - Part B View Lesson

On the Angels

Angels are described in the New Testament as “ministering spirits” sent to help “those who will inherit salvation. Yet most Christians today know very little about the angels and their ministry. In this message we explore the history and nature of angels, how they have assisted God’s people throughout the ages and how they can

On the Angels View Lesson

Washed, Clothed and Anointed (Leviticus 8)

Why should we care about the ordination of the first priests? If we study this passage carefully, we may find ourselves hidden in the story. Like them, we have been washed, clothed with special clothing, anointed, and called to a ministry of sacrifice and prayer. Also, we will see that this anointing points to the

Washed, Clothed and Anointed (Leviticus 8) View Lesson

Psalm 5 - In the Morning You Shall Hear My Voice

David recounted his devotion to morning prayer in proclaiming: “In the morning You shall hear my voice.” Prayer warriors through the ages, including even Jesus, have been devoted to early morning prayer. However, does the hour at which we pray really matter? What is so special about rising early to pray? We consider insights from early Christian writer

Psalm 5 - In the Morning You Shall Hear My Voice View Lesson

Psalm 4 - Be Angry and Do Not Sin

In this psalm we see David's confidence that God hears his prayers. How can we be as confident that God hears our prayers? Also, David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, tells us to "be angry and do not sin," a passage later quoted by the apostle Paul. What does that mean? Is it always a sin to be angry?

Psalm 4 - Be Angry and Do Not Sin View Lesson

So Your Prayers May Not Be Hindered

Teaching Notes

So Your Prayers May Not Be Hindered View Lesson

Effective Prayer

Teaching Notes

Effective Prayer View Lesson

Suffering Well (1 Peter 4:1-11)

Suffering as a Christian has been the overarching theme of this letter of Peter. Here Peter addresses the personal, internal suffering that comes from denying our own desires for sins of the flesh. Then he calls us to devote ourselves to four things: being watchful in prayer, having fervent love for one another, being hospitable,

Suffering Well (1 Peter 4:1-11) View Lesson

So Your Prayers May Not Be Hindered (1 Peter 3:7-12)

After addressing the wives, Peter turns his attention to the husbands. He calls them to treat their wives with honor and understanding, "that your prayers may not be hindered." We first consider the challenging New Testament teaching for Christian husbands, to lay down their lives in love to meet the needs of their wives. We

So Your Prayers May Not Be Hindered (1 Peter 3:7-12) View Lesson