In the Greek text, the word prayer
is in the plural and also preceded by a definite article (the
). This implies that the prayers are communal rather than private,1 and taking place at set times.2 It could also indicate that they were making use of specific forms in their prayers.3 We know that the early church often prayed together in response to events and before making decisions (see Acts 1:14; Acts 1:24–25; Acts 3:1; Acts 4:23–31; Acts 6:4; Acts 8:15; Acts 9:11). It is likely that they also made use of the Lord’s Prayer (Luke 11:1–4).
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.