It’s a familiar quotation: “The family that prays together, stays together.” While there is no biblical direction along this line, we have both scriptural direction and example as to the importance of prayer in the assembly. In the Acts of the Apostles, we read, “These all continued with one accord in prayer” (1:14). At the birthday of the church, they were “all with one accord in one place” (2:l). After the first addition to the church of about 3,000 we read, “They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (2:42). With the first hint of persecution, the apostles returned to “their own company” and reported what threats hung over their heads, and the church “lifted up their voice to God with one accord” (4:24). It could hardly be questioned that the beginnings of the church were accompanied with much fellowship in prayer. Their united and earnest communion with the glorified Lord was the continual source of comfort and power. “When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the Word of God with boldness” (4:31).
When Peter was imprisoned, Luke records that “prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him” (12:5). Many have assumed that the church was praying for his deliverance and showed by their response to his unexpected appearance at the door that they really didn’t believe what they were praying for. Actually, it is very unlikely that they had in mind that God’s will was his deliverance, and they therefore would pray that, as James had been faithful to the end, so Peter would not eventually deny his Lord as he once before had done. But God granted far above what they could ask or think.
Thus the church was born steeped in prayer–united, urgent, believing, effectual prayer. They met together. There is certainly adequate scriptural warrant for the assembly meeting together in one place at regular intervals for united, fervent prayer.
Later in the history of the early church, Paul wrote to his son in the faith whom he had left to shepherd the assembly at Ephesus to instruct him in how to order the affairs there until Paul himself could return. In the first chapter (1 Tim. 1) there is warning against false teaching and an account of Paul’s own calling. Then Paul launches into the first order of business. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made …” (2:1). Paul is saying to Timothy that the first and most urgent order of business in the assembly is the matter of prayer. Qualifications of elders and deacons, matters of discipline, aspects of spiritual teaching and practical ministry, such as to the widows, and all that, come after. But first of all, there should be the matter of prayer. It is not a suggestion; he does not even beseech; he says, I exhort.
In the assembly, prayer is the first thing on the agenda. It is not just the first item–sort of an invocation or tipping your hat to God, and just a good way to conclude the meeting too. No! Paul exhorts first of all “supplications” be made. This is a form of prayer that involves earnest request from a real sense of need. Here is where the assembly activity starts, and this is the way it should be carried on. He goes on to mention “prayers” that is, petitions, asking; “intercessions”, that is, praying for the needs of others; and “thanksgiving,” that is, expressed appreciation for who God is and what He has done. These are not necessarily all that should make up assembly prayer, but they touch much of what should be involved.
After a slight digression, Paul returns to his topic (v. 8). “I will therefore that men pray…” It is the primary responsibility of the men to lead the assembly in prayer. Verses 9 to 15 tell us plainly the position and responsibility of the women when the assembly gathers for prayer. And note that Paul does not say that the elders or deacons should pray–it is men, all the men.
Real praying is work, and the men should take up the labor. And there should be no shirking, letting someone else bear the burden. When we come to prayer meeting, come prepared to shoulder the load. To come to prayer meeting and not be prepared to lead out in prayer is to punch the time clock with no intention of going to work.
Then Paul says, “I will therefore that men pray everywhere.” The old Jews thought that the temple or the synagogue was the only fit place to pray. Whenever and wherever the Christians gather, the men should pray. When there is a visitation, a Bible study, a work day, men should pray. When there is a conference, a missionary meeting, a planning session, men should pray.
“Lifting up holy hands” demonstrates lives that are pure and undefiled in the daily tasks. “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? . . . He that hath clean hands and a pure heart” (Ps. 24:3-4).
“Without wrath” or anger: There is no place in assembly prayer to call on God to strike down, judge, or correct men with whom we have a quarrel or who wrong us. Love should motivate our prayers as all our other thoughts and actions.
Men should pray without “doubting.” James tells us about the “prayer of faith” (Jas. 5:15). He also says, “Let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.” To those that do have doubts, he says, “Let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord” (Jas. 1:7).
Paul mentions women who pray (1 Cor. 11:5), and how we thank the Lord for the fervent, faithful prayers of the sisters. But in the assembly, the first order of business is that the men should pray. And the book of Acts clearly demonstrates the fact that the assembly should get together with one accord to pray.