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The early church "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Commentators have debated about
what "the breaking of bread" entailed. Some suggestions are a type of Jewish fellowship meal, or an agape feast. Undoubtedly, the time emphasized the joy of
communion with the risen Lord and of fellowship with one another. It was most likely an occasion for joy, love, and praise because it was connected with Jesus.
Luke
also tells us that the first century church devoted themselves to prayer. He makes frequent references to prayer in the early chapters of Acts:
** They all joined
together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. (NIV) Acts 1:14
** Then they prayed, "Lord, you know
everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen (NIV) Acts 1:24
** When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God.
"Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. (NIV) Acts 4:24
** So the Twelve gathered all the
disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from
among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the
word." (NIV) Acts 6:2-4
The early church modeled a lifestyle of prayer. What does your prayer life say to others?
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