Today in the Word Devotional

Accessories to Prayer


Listen Later

In fashion, an accessory is a non-essential item of clothing or jewelry. It might be a belt or a handbag. But an accessory can also be something that adds value or extends the function of something. For example, a printer and a camera are accessories that extend the capability of your computer. Prayer was foundational to the spiritual life of the early church, but it did not stand alone. Today’s passage provides us with a snapshot of the spiritual life of the early church. It identifies the three foundational habits that supported the church’s prayer life. Luke says that the first Christians “devoted themselves” to these things (v. 42). This is the language of habitual practice. In first place was the habit of sitting under the apostle’s teaching. There is more implied in this phrase than merely listening to someone talk about the Bible. It implies a body of truth handed down to the church by those who were Christ’s representatives. Second on Luke’s list was something he calls “fellowship.” We often use this term to refer to socializing. For us, fellowship time at church may mean little more than small talk and donuts. But it was something more substantial for the early church. The Greek word means “sharing.” It could generally refer to the bond between believers or the sharing of material goods (v. 44). The church also observed “the breaking of bread.” Although this phrase can simply mean that they ate meals together, it seems more likely that it refers to a particular kind of meal. The early believers probably observed the Lord’s Supper every time they met. This memorial meal celebrates Christ’s death and resurrection (1 Cor. 11:23–26). Luke may indicate that the early Christians observed it every time they met (v. 46).  >> Does the church life described in Acts 2:42–47 match your own church experience? In what ways do the practices of your congregation differ from or compare to those of the early church? What can we learn from these believers?
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Today in the Word DevotionalBy Today In The Word

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

65 ratings


More shows like Today in the Word Devotional

View all
Insight for Living Daily Broadcast by Chuck Swindoll - Insight for Living

Insight for Living Daily Broadcast

3,105 Listeners

Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life by Tim Keller

Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life

16,050 Listeners

The Briefing with Albert Mohler by R. Albert Mohler, Jr.

The Briefing with Albert Mohler

8,663 Listeners

Ask Pastor John by Desiring God

Ask Pastor John

3,940 Listeners

In the Market with Janet Parshall by Moody Radio

In the Market with Janet Parshall

1,380 Listeners

Focus on the Family with Jim Daly by Focus on the Family

Focus on the Family with Jim Daly

4,768 Listeners

FamilyLife Today® by FamilyLife Network

FamilyLife Today®

1,709 Listeners

Breakpoint by Colson Center

Breakpoint

3,092 Listeners

Summit Life with J.D. Greear by J.D. Greear Ministries

Summit Life with J.D. Greear

1,293 Listeners

The Land and the Book by Moody Radio

The Land and the Book

294 Listeners

Pray the Word with David Platt by David Platt

Pray the Word with David Platt

1,419 Listeners

Solid Joys Daily Devotional by Desiring God

Solid Joys Daily Devotional

2,184 Listeners

Core Christianity by Adriel Sanchez

Core Christianity

570 Listeners

The Bible Recap by Tara-Leigh Cobble

The Bible Recap

36,040 Listeners

Daily Joy: A 365-Day Devotional for Women by Crossway

Daily Joy: A 365-Day Devotional for Women

85 Listeners