There is a saying, “No prayer, no power; little prayer, little power; much prayer, much power,” and it is based on the Bible’s teaching. Prayer is one of the four foundational characteristics of the first church in Jerusalem (“they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and breaking of bread and prayers,” Acts 2:42). Prayer is the first ministry of church leaders (“But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word,” Acts 6:4). Note that prayer is to be continual. And note that prayer is put first, and that is because prayer is necessary for the ministry of the word to be most effectual. This is God’s plan. Paul plainly taught this. Prayer is to be “first of all” in the churches (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
(Friday Church News Notes, December 3, 2021, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143)