When Did the Apostles Pray?

Part 4 of 8

As we search God's precious Word, we're seeing the many different aspects of prayer present within. We are taking somewhat of an unusual approach, in that we're discovering what Scripture says from the practice and perspective of the early church apostles. Who better to examine in our learning of prayer than the very ones who begged Jesus, "Teach us to pray" (Lk 11:1)! Who better to learn from than those who walked daily with Jesus, gleaning His perfect instruction, and recording it for our use? Indeed, the practice of the apostles is a mine of truth. Today, I want to observe yet another facet of this gem: when did the apostles pray?

It is clear that we live in an age of prayer. In fact, I dare say that prayer today is perhaps more fervent and frequent than it ever has been, with exception of the early church. For God's remnant, the heart is steadily becoming more and more poised toward heaven, and more and more eager to hear whispers from His throne. Now more than ever should we take heed to the Scriptural admonition! But to do so, we first must learn... when did the apostles pray?

- Pray without ceasing! One of the most commonly referenced Scriptures regarding this truth is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. It reads, "Pray without ceasing". Many men have their opinions concerning what this small verse is to teach us, but I'm interested in the intent of the original apostle who wrote it. What did he who penned these words have in mind? Was it a literal statement? A figurative?

Firstly, I want to observe but a few details that this small verse seems to teach us. As we observe these details, I believe the answer to our posed question will become clear. These minor details may appear obvious and insignificant for most readers, however, you would be surprised to see the gross and binding religion that exists.

(1) The voice is not essential. No, prayer is not always to be made with the voice, for ceaseless vocal prayer is a physical impossibility. Instead, the apostle must have intended to display the un-necessity of such. Prayer is a posture of the heart, which is often reflected upon the mouth, but not absolutely. To observe this literally, there would of course be no opportunity for preaching and hearing, for the exchange of friendly intercourse, for business, or for any other of the duties of life. It was never the design of the Lord Jesus that our throats, lungs, and tongues should be for ever at work. We may speak a thousand words which seem to be prayer, and yet never pray; on the other hand, we may cry into God's ear most effectually, and yet never say a word. In the book of Exodus, God is represented as saying to Moses, "Why criest thou unto me?"... And yet it is not recorded that Moses had uttered so much as a single syllable at that time. It is true that the use of the voice often helps prayer, but at the same time it is not essential; it does not enter at all into the acceptability, reality, or prevalence of prayer. As Spurgeon has said, "Silence is as fit a garment for devotion as any that language can fashion". This may upset many a religious man, but that makes no difference to me. The truth can defend itself.

(2) The posture is not essential. Again, it is a physical impossibility, and also a detriment to one's health, to remain upon one's knees ceaselessly. Could this be what the apostle intended! Of course not. It's funny to think how so many of us strive for a literal meaning of spiritual words. One's posture in prayer is no more important than the language one speaks. To what end has our Creator given us feet, if he desires us never to stand upon them? If he had meant us to be on our knees without ceasing, he would have fashioned the body much differently, and would not have endowed us with such unnecessary length of limb. Reader, it is well to pray on one's knees; it is a most reverent posture; it is one which expresses humility, and when humility is truly felt, kneeling is a natural and beautiful token of it, but, at the same time, good men have prayed flat upon their faces, have prayed sitting, have prayed standing, have prayed in any posture, and the posture does not enter into the essence of prayer. Consent not to be placed in bondage by those to whom the bended knee is reckoned of more importance than the contrite heart.

(3) The place is not essential. Many people seem to reserve real prayer for the intercessory meeting, or solely on Sundays. Thankfully however, we have God's truth to guide our erring ways. To pray without ceasing is to often ignore the place of prayer. I've had more effective prayer times in the shower, than I have in some populated prayer meetings. Of course, these words align with Paul's statement upon Mars' Hill: "God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands" (Acts 17:24).

Therefore, we can easily determine the intent of Paul's words. They were not a literal command, but an encouragement to never abandon real prayer! Never allow that flow of communion to be halted, not for any reason. If sin were to clog the avenue, repent immediately and reinstate that precious channel of intimacy! The voice, posture and place are utterly insignificant! Just be sure to pray! Just be sure to constantly talk with Jesus! Our prayer should be treated like our breath: required to live! As we breathe without ceasing, so must we pray without ceasing. As there is no attainment in life, of health, strength, or of muscular vigor which can place a man beyond the necessity of breathing, so no condition of spiritual growth or advance in grace will allow a man to rid himself of real prayer. On the contrary, the closer we grow to Jesus, the greater we desire our communion to become!

- Prayer in affliction. When did the apostles pray? Well, they prayed even in affliction! If the apostle encourages us to "pray without ceasing", then he of course means for us to remain prayerful in all seasons of life. A man may find it easy to thank God in surplus and peace, but what about in lack? What about in warfare? Will our lips still speak sincere gratitude when there's no fruit on the vine, or no herd in the stall? Will our hearts leap for joy even when affliction has ravished our natural state? Oh reader, a genuine prayer in affliction is an accurate portrait of one's nature: capturing the true testimony of you, it's subject.

All throughout Scripture, we find the early apostles communing with the Holy Spirit, even in times of great distress. Could this practice be recorded in vain? Of course not.. Every jot and tittle is "for our learning" (Rom 15:4)!

For just one excellent example of this truth, let us turn to 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, regarding Paul in his afflictions: "And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong". In my meager opinion, no other early church figure knew as much heartache, distress, torment and suffering as the Apostle Paul. And no other church figure knew and experienced such great intimacy and relationship with the Holy Ghost as the Apostle Paul. We would be foolish to think these two instances are not related.

I marvel at how Paul could find it within himself to actually "glory" in his awful tribulations. What any normal and sinful man would use to build a case for God's injustice, Paul used as a vehicle of gratitude! And why? Because he knew the imminent fruit of such trials: the glory of God (1 Pet 1:6-7; Rom 8:28-30). "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Cor 4:17)! Paul endured all things for this cause (2 Tim 2:10).. He knew of his inheritance (Heb 9:15)! Friends, do we have such sight? Even in the perilous pit, may our lips still utter His praises! Even in the terrible trial, may we find ourselves bowing to God's sovereignty. This was the practice of the apostles, and it should be our mode as well. When did the apostles pray? A better question would be, "when did they NOT?"

To be continued...