Praying like 1st century believers

Acts 4:24-30, And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, “‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’ — 27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

Notice these elements:

1. They prayed together in response to a conflict 
2. Their prayer included affirmation of God’s work of creation
3. Their prayer included affirmation of God’s knoweldge of future events
4. Their prayer included affirmation of God’s control of future events
5. Their prayer included an understanding of God’s desire to be involved in current events
6. Their prayer included a specific request

Notice the outcome, verse 31, And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

May God give us times of prayer like these of our brothers. May we see the impact on evangelism and Christian community like they did. Come Lord Jesus and meet us as we pray.