The early church discovered that God releases His power in response to prayer.

And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went up to the upper room where they were staying; that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. Acts 1:9-14

The book of Acts is an amazing record that shows not only the way God worked through the early church but also how central prayer was to its growth. Right after Jesus’ ascension, believers gathered and “devoted themselves to prayer” (1:14).

Talking to God was their means of preparing for the work He planned for them. Jesus had told them the Father would give the Holy Spirit to those who ask (Luke 11:13). Then after the resurrection, He instructed them to stay in Jerusalem until they were “clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).

To the degree we’re willing to admit our absolute helplessness to do God’s work, the Holy Spirit will empower us as we pray. When we are devoted to prayer, the Lord begins to work in our heart, preparing us for service. He provides the courage to face any challenge that might result, and the Spirit emboldens us to speak God’s Word (Acts 4:29, Acts 4:31).

God is looking for believers who understand the importance of prayer and realize the only way to fulfill His calling for the church is through His power. The church is not grown through programs but through the humble supplications of saints who gather together in utter dependence upon Him. That’s when God’s power is released and His will is accomplished.