The One Important Thing That You Need Before Everything

This ancient practice that turns ordinary believers into mighty instruments in God's hands (and why churches fail without it)

In a world that demands immediate action and instant results, the ancient practice of prayer might seem like a relic of slower times. Yet Scripture reveals a profound truth: every mighty work of God throughout history began not with human strategy or effort, but with someone on their knees. From Moses interceding for forty days to Daniel's unwavering devotion despite royal decrees, prayer has always been the secret weapon of those who changed the world.

When the early church faced their first major crisis, the apostles could have called emergency meetings, formed committees, or launched new programs. Instead, they made a radical decision that would echo through eternity: "We will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4).

They understood something we often forget—that even church business must never interfere with our praying habits. It is people of God in consistent prayer that is the one most important thing needed before everything.

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Prayer Must Precede Every Divine Work

The apostles determined that all their ministry would be preceded by and accompanied with prayer, allowing God's plans to be carried out through them rather than their own efforts. E.M. Bounds notes that praying saints are "a necessity in carrying out the divine plan for the salvation of unbelievers in the land." When Moses interceded for Israel forty days and nights without relaxing his hold on God, he stayed the Lord's hand of judgment and secured mercy for a rebellious nation.

Prayer transforms ordinary people into true change agents in God's world.

Neglecting Prayer Invites Spiritual Powerlessness

The apostles realized their complete dependence on prayer, understanding that "the success of the Word and the progress of the church were dependent in a preeminent sense upon their 'giving themselves to prayer.'" When church activities occupy more time than prayer and hinder our communion with God, evil results always follow because nothing is done well without prayer—it simply leaves God out of the equation. A prayer-less church becomes a power-less church, vulnerable to deception where tares grow among wheat and wolves no longer need sheep's clothing.

We contend that the enemy is not at the door but already in our midst when prayer is neglected.

Every Ministry Must Partner with Prayer

Daniel's refusal to obey the king's decree, seeking his Lord three times daily with thanksgiving, not only resulted in his deliverance from the lions but became "an essential factor in defeating the king's decree and discomfiting the wicked, envious rulers." Effective preaching is conditioned by effective praying, and God can mightily use the preacher who prays as His agent in saving souls and edifying saints. Whether teaching, evangelism, or any form of ministry, each must be accompanied by direct partnership with prayer to be truly effective.

God works His gracious designs through those who maintain their connection to heaven through persistent prayer.

Imagine a church where every sermon is birthed in the prayer closet, where every ministry decision is soaked in intercession, and where believers understand that their greatest weapon against the world's rage is not argument but prayer.

Picture congregations where saints refuse to bow to cultural pressure because they've already bowed before the throne of grace, finding strength to stand and withstand in the evil day. This is the vision of a praying people — ordinary individuals like you and me, transformed into extraordinary instruments in God's hands.

When we pray first, God works through us; when we act first, we work alone.

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