The Power of Prayer

Acts 4:23-35

Scripture Reference

Acts 4:23-35

Introduction

The sermon “The Power of Prayer” by Dr. Terry LeQuieu takes us to Acts chapter 4 to examine a corporate prayer of the early church after the apostles were beaten, threatened, and released from prison for preaching Jesus. The passage shows the posture, priorities, and power of prayer when God’s people gather together and call upon their sovereign God. This message is timely as we prepare for revival: revival comes when God’s people pray rightly, expectantly, and submissively. In plain language for young adults and the whole congregation, we will walk through what made that prayer powerful and how the church responded afterward. The KJV text shows us the pattern—confidence in God, commitment to God’s work, and consequences in the life of the church. These realities are not merely historical; they are the blueprint for how God moves among His people today.

Get there, stand with me. We’ve made all our movement. Let’s make sure that we stay focused on the word of God this morning. Teenage boys make sure we stay focused. We don’t want to be a distraction. The devil can use anybody, even in the church. Alright, make sure we stay focused this morning. Acts chapter number four is where we’re going to be at this morning. Preach a message entitled you the Power of Prayer. The power of prayer.

Quote from Preacher

This short excerpt begins the message and sets the tone: we will stay focused on God’s Word, beware distractions, and study Acts chapter 4 on the power of prayer as a needed preparation for revival.

Outline

Context and Company: Return to the Church
1. The situation — Peter and John were imprisoned, beaten, and threatened for speaking in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:1–22). When released, their first step was to return to their own company — the church (Acts 4:23).
2. The principle — In trouble we should return to God’s family. The company you keep reveals your heart; the apostles’ company was the house of God. For young Christians: choose spiritual company that pushes you to obedience and prayer, not that which pulls you away.
Confidence of Powerful Prayer: Know Who You Are Speaking To
1. Recognize God’s greatness — They began, “Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven and earth…” (Acts 4:24). Prayer must begin with the correct view of God: Creator, sovereign, and worthy of trust.
2. Quote Scripture in prayer — The apostles quoted David (Acts 4:25–26). Referencing God’s Word in prayer shows faith in God’s promises and aligns our requests to His revealed will.
3. God is controller and conqueror — Even opposition is within God’s counsel (Acts 4:27–28); Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection were under God’s sovereign plan. This truth gives believers confidence in the midst of trials (cf. Hebrews 4:16).
4. Application for young adults — Your God is not surprised by setbacks. When storms come, remember He is above the storm and in control. Let that truth shape your prayers and courage.
Commitment of Powerful Prayer: Ask What God Wants You to Do
1. They prayed for boldness, not safety — “Grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word…” (Acts 4:29). The church asked for courage to witness, not for protection from consequences.
2. Power to express God’s Word — Boldness to proclaim truth, regardless of reception. Our responsibility is faithful proclamation; God controls results (Acts 4:33).
3. Power to extend God’s hand — They requested “by stretching forth thine hand to heal” (Acts 4:30). Prayer seeks God’s mighty works so lives will be changed; God may use us as instruments of His touch.
4. Submission to God’s will — They acknowledged “for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined” (Acts 4:28). True prayer surrenders our will to God’s will; “not my will, but thine be done.”
5. Application for discipleship — Commitment in prayer produces action: bold witness, compassionate service, readiness to obey even when it costs. Pray for courage to speak and power to help.
Consequences of Powerful Prayer: Presence, Power, and Practice
1. Presence of the Spirit — “The place was shaken… and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost” (Acts 4:31). Prayer invites God’s presence and empowerment; believers experience a filling for service, not salvation.
2. Powerful proclamation — They “spake the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31). The immediate result of empowered prayer is fearless testimony.
3. Unity of the people — “The multitudes… were of one heart and of one soul” (Acts 4:32). Revival and answered prayer produce unity and sacrificial love among believers.
4. Practical generosity — Believers sold possessions and shared so that no one lacked (Acts 4:34–35). Spirit-filled prayer results in tangible care for one another.
5. Application for church life — Expect the Spirit to work through prayer to change both hearts and actions: greater boldness in witness, closer unity, and practical compassion in the body.
Overarching Principle: Prayer Leads to Revival When God Is Invited
1. Revival is not a calendar item — Revival happens when God shows up; we must prepare by prayer and willingness to submit.
2. Personal readiness — If we want revival in our church, we must be ready for God to change us. That may mean surrendering comforts, admitting sin, and seeking a deeper walk.
3. Application for preparation — Engage consistent prayer (not just event-driven), study Scripture, and take practical steps in obedience so God can move through us.

Summary

Acts 4 records a brief but rich example of powerful corporate prayer. The church returned to one another, lifted their voices recognizing God’s sovereignty, quoted Scripture, sought boldness to speak the Word, asked for God’s hand to be extended in healing and signs, and surrendered to God’s will. The immediate consequences were the filling of the Spirit, bold proclamation, unity, salvations, and sacrificial care. In short: powerful prayer begins with right theology (who God is), produces committed action (boldness and service), and results in God-honoring consequences (presence, power, unity, and outreach).

Any failure that we have in this Christian life is going to boil down to being a prayer failure. We’ve got to make sure that we as children of God are prayed up and ready to do the things that God has called us to do.

Quote to Ponder

This quote reminds us that prayer is foundational to Christian obedience and effectiveness; where prayer declines, discipleship and witness suffer.

Application for the Week

Here are practical, actionable steps to apply “The Power of Prayer” in your daily life and in our church as we prepare for revival:

Return to your company — Make a commitment to be present with God’s people. Attend corporate worship, small groups, and prayer meetings this week; your presence matters (Acts 4:23).
Begin prayers with God’s attributes — Each day, start your prayer time by naming who God is (Creator, Controller, Conqueror). Let Scripture shape your requests (use a Psalm or Acts 4:24–26 as a guide).
Pray for boldness to witness — Instead of primarily asking God to remove opposition, ask for boldness to speak the Gospel and to live it publicly (Acts 4:29). Make a short list of three people you will intentionally pray for and then one concrete step you will take to share Christ with at least one of them this week.
Ask God to extend His hand through you — Pray for opportunities to be an instrument of blessing (Acts 4:30). Look for one practical way this week to meet a need (a meal, a ride, encouragement, a note, financial help if able).
Surrender your will to God’s will — Each morning this week, pray a short prayer like, “Lord, not my will but Thine be done,” and then obey the first clear thing God calls you to do that day even if it costs you comfort.
Practice corporate prayer — Join a church prayer meeting, or form a 2–3 person prayer partnership. Commit to praying together at least twice this week for revival in our church and for the three people you named above.
Examine possessions and priorities — Ask God to show if anything you own is owning you. If God leads you, take one tangible step (simplify, give, or volunteer) so possessions do not hinder Ministry (Acts 4:34–35).
Prepare your heart for revival — Fast or set aside extra time for prayer this week leading into the revival meetings. Be honest: are you ready for God to change you? If not, start now by confessing sin, renewing devotion to Scripture, and committing to obedient action.
Invite someone — Evangelism flows from prayer and boldness. Invite a friend, coworker, or family member to a service this week or to a casual time with you where you can share why Jesus matters to you.
If you are unsure about salvation — If you are not certain you would go to heaven if you died today, speak with a trusted Christian leader this week. The speaker offered front-row counselors (wives and ladies available) to guide seekers; likewise, contact our church leadership for a clear, loving Gospel conversation and prayer.

Prayer is more than asking; it is aligning our hearts to the God who saves, empowers, and uses broken people to change the world. Be prayed up, be bold, and be ready to serve as God leads.