Introduction:
    This is a study in the book of Acts that shows how the early church did everything by prayer. Everything that God does in the earth is initiated by prayer. When we understand this, we will give ourselves to prayer coupled with the Word as the top priority in our life. Prayer coupled with the Word is the explosive force of God in the earth.
    First, we will see that Jesus taught on the power power of prayer. John 15. 7, 8, 16;   16. 23, 24.

PRAYER IN THE EARLY CHURCH IN THE BOOK OF ACTS
--1.14. The power of the Holy Spirit was ushered into the church through the continuous prayer of agreement.
--2.21. Now, whosoever calls (prayer) on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
--3.1. On the way to prayer a man lame from birth was healed.
--4. 24, 31. After persecution, prayer in one accord brought more power of God.
--6. 4, 6, 7. The ministers gave themselves continually to prayer and the ministry of the Word. Even table waiters had hands laid on them and were prayed over for effective ministry. The result of such dependence on God for all things through prayer, was that the word of God increased and the number of disciples multiplied greatly. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. Such is the power of prayer.
--7. 59, 60. Stephen's prayer of forgiveness for his persecutors took effect in Saul (Paul).
--8. 15. Through prayer, believers, who had received the word, were able to receive the Holy Spirit.
--9. 11. Through prayer, Saul (Paul) was in a position to be healed and filled with the Spirit.
--10. 2, 4, 9, 30, 31. Through prayer, Cornelius was in a position to receive the gospel as a Gentile from the apostle Peter. Through prayer, Peter received the revelation that he was to take the gospel to the Gentiles.
--12. 5, 12. Many people praying together without ceasing brought the power of God to break Peter out of prison supernaturally.
--13. 3. Through fasting and prayer, apostles were sent out to minister.
--14. 23. Elders were ordained for the churches by fasting and prayer.
--16. 13. A lady was at a prayer meeting to be held by a river, and as the disciples spoke with her she was saved and baptized.
--16. 16. As the disciples were going to prayer, a demon possessed girl met them and followed them for days, then was delivered from the demon.
--16. 25. Paul and Silas were praying and singing praises to God, when the power of God was released to free them, and all the prisoners from prison, and, to get the jailor saved in the process.
--20. 36. Paul prayed with the disciples, knowing he would never see them in the flesh again.
--21. 5. Again, as Paul was parting from some disciples, they all prayed together.

Conclusion:
    Jesus spent much time in prayer, and taught that fruitfulness comes through prayer.
    The early church did all things through prayer and prayer meetings.
    Paul taught us to pray without ceasing and to pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit (1 Thes. 5. 17;   6. 18). It is evident from his letters, that he practiced much prayer. Paul was and is, abundantly fruitful.
    So, if we will give ourselves to believing prayer coupled with the Word, in one accord with each other, we will see God move in people's lives, and we will have much fruitfulness in our own lives. It all starts with prayer based on God's unfailing Word.