What if the problem isn’t that we’re not praying enough, but that we’re praying in the wrong order?

In today’s message, “Steadfast in Prayer,” Part 7 of Pastor Dan Harrison’s State of the Church — Romans Series, we’re challenged to examine the role prayer plays in our daily lives, our decisions, and the mission of the church.

Drawing from Romans 12:12, Pastor Dan reminds us of the Apostle Paul’s instruction:

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

But what does it really mean to be constant, faithful, persistent, and steadfast in prayer?

Too often, our natural response to life’s challenges is to act first and pray afterward. We react, make decisions, develop plans, and sometimes even panic before bringing our circumstances before God.

Pastor Dan challenges us to reverse that order.

Pray, then act. Pray, then respond. Pray, then plan.

Throughout the Book of Acts, we discover that the early church didn’t simply include prayer in its activities. Prayer was the foundation of everything it did.

From the disciples waiting for the Holy Spirit to the appointment of church leaders and the spreading of the Gospel, believers remained devoted, steadfast, faithful, and persistent in prayer.

Prayer wasn’t their last resort. It was their starting point.

But this message goes beyond the importance of prayer in church leadership and ministry. Pastor Dan also addresses the personal struggles that can interfere with our relationship with God.

What happens when serving becomes more important than spending time with the Father? What happens when we begin finding our identity in what we do rather than in who God says we are?

And perhaps most importantly, what happens when we’ve prayed for something for years, but the answer still hasn’t come?

Pastor Dan reminds us that prayer isn’t simply about getting what we want from God. It’s about developing a relationship with Him, learning to trust His heart, and remaining faithful even when circumstances don’t change.

Through Romans 12:12, Acts 1:14, Acts 2:42, Acts 6:4, and Colossians 4:2, we discover how persistent prayer transforms our priorities, strengthens our faith, and prepares the church to accomplish God’s purposes.

Lean In

As you listen to today’s message, lean in to what Pastor Dan has to share. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak directly to your heart.

Is prayer the driving force of your life, or has it become your last resort?

Are you allowing God to direct your decisions, or are you asking Him to bless plans you’ve already made?

And is there someone or something you’ve stopped praying for because the answer hasn’t come?

Today’s Takeaway

Put prayer first.

Before you react, pray.
Before you make your plans, pray.
Before you give up, pray again.

And when the answer doesn’t come immediately, remember that God may be doing something in your heart while you’re waiting for Him to work in your circumstances.

Don’t stop praying. Don’t stop trusting. Don’t stop believing in the faithfulness of God.

Because a transformed church begins with believers who are devoted to prayer.