Sermon Recap
This week’s message in our Kingdom Culture series focused on prayer as the foundation that sustains and empowers the Church. Just as a house cannot stand without a solid foundation, the Church cannot live out Kingdom Culture apart from prayer. The early believers understood that following Jesus and advancing His Kingdom was never meant to be done in human strength. Prayer kept them anchored to Christ, dependent on the Father, and responsive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The sermon reminded us that prayer was not simply a personal discipline but a shared devotion of the Church. In Acts, the people of God consistently gathered to pray—especially in moments of pressure, opposition, and uncertainty. Rather than reacting with fear, anger, or control, they leaned into prayer together, and God moved in powerful ways. Through prayer, chains were broken, boldness was restored, unity was strengthened, and the mission of the Church advanced.
Ultimately, this week’s message called us to see prayer as essential to who we are as the people of God. Prayer protects the Church from division, pride, and distraction, and aligns our hearts and minds with God’s purposes. A praying Church is a unified Church, rooted in Jesus and empowered to live differently in the world. When the Church is devoted to prayer, Kingdom Culture becomes visible, and God’s Kingdom breaks into our lives, our communities, and our generation.
Key Scripture
Discussion Questions
Foundation Check:
The sermon emphasized that prayer is foundational to the life of the Church. In your own life, what does prayer currently look like—as a foundation or as something you turn to only when needed? What might need to shift for prayer to become more central?Praying Together vs. Praying Alone:
The early Church was devoted to praying together, especially in moments of pressure or persecution. Why do you think communal prayer is so powerful, and what challenges or hesitations do you feel when it comes to praying with others?Our First Response:
In Acts, the Church responded to opposition and uncertainty by praying rather than reacting emotionally or strategically. When you face stress, conflict, or fear, what is usually your first response—and what would it look like to intentionally choose prayer instead?Kingdom Impact:
The sermon taught that prayer activates Kingdom realities and unifies the Church. How have you seen prayer bring change—whether unity, boldness, peace, or breakthrough—in your own life or in a community you’ve been part of? Where do you sense God inviting you to press into prayer more deeply right now?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come to You recognizing our complete dependence on You. Thank You for the gift of prayer and for inviting us into relationship with You. Help us to be a people who build our lives and our church on the firm foundation of Jesus. Teach us to pray first, to pray together, and to trust You in every season. Unite our hearts, align us with Your will, and empower us by Your Spirit to live out Kingdom Culture in our daily lives. We surrender ourselves to You and ask that Your Kingdom come and Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Life Application
Establish Prayer as a Daily Foundation
Commit to a consistent daily prayer rhythm—not just in moments of need, but as a way of staying connected to Jesus. Choose a specific time and place each day to pray, asking God to align your heart with His purposes and to deepen your dependence on Him.Practice Praying With Others
Intentionally engage in communal prayer this week. Pray with your spouse, family, small group, or a trusted friend, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Remember that prayer was never meant to be a solo practice—God strengthens and unifies the Church when we pray together.Respond to Pressure With Prayer First
When you encounter stress, conflict, or uncertainty, pause before reacting and bring the situation to God in prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your response and to release Kingdom peace, wisdom, and power into the situation. Let prayer become your first response, not your last resort.
Don’t Forget!
Life in the Spirit Wed night class w/Pastor Rob McCorkle Jan 21st
Also register your kids for Kids Club
Register for our Prayer Intensive
Feb 20th-21st
Additional Resources
Sermon Playback & Video Resources | Spotify Playlist | Church Center App