PRAYING

The Bible teaches and the Scriptures repeatedly affirm the necessity and immeasurable value of frequent, heartfelt prayer (1 Timothy 2:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:17).  According to (Acts 2:42), prayer was one of the things the early disciples continued in steadfastly.

The Bible teaches that through the mediation of Christ, we now have bold access to the Father's throne through the avenue of prayer (Hebrews 4:16).  Our prayers should be fervent (James 5:16), consisting of our thanksgiving for God's rich blessings and our requests for God's continued help (Philippians 4:6).  The Bible teaches prayer is a precious spiritual blessing in Christ through which we cast all our care upon the One who cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).  These things should be kept in mind by the male member leading the prayer during the worship service, and by the rest of the Christians who follow along in their minds.

                    CONTRIBUTION

The Bible teaches the "collection for the saints" must be gathered only once a week, on the first day of the week (the Lord's Day), according to the divine pattern given to the Church at Corinth and the congregations at Galatia (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).  At this time, each disciple is to give of his means in a cheerful manner as he has been prospered, and as he has purposed in his heart (2 Corinthians 9:7).  Those who are not members of the Church are not required to give.

The Bible teaches that these funds are to be utilized for the work of the Church, for the support of evangelists, elders, and widows indeed, and for the assistance of needy saints (1 Corinthians 9:14, 1 Timothy 5:3, 17-18, Romans 15:26).  The Bible teaches that God requires Christians and congregations to be good stewards of  the blessings, be they material or otherwise, bestowed upon them (1 Peter 4:10).