- 7 hours ago
- 5 min read
20th May 2026
They Devoted Themselves... to Prayer
from Travis
Like most, I am so inspired by the description of the early church Luke records for us in Acts 2:42-47. I find myself captivated each time I read through Acts by what seems to be such an alive, vibrant, exciting, Spirit-filled community on mission together.
Unsurprisingly, one of the defining characteristics of their shared life is a commitment, what Luke describes as "a devotion to" prayer. Their example issues a question and challenge across the millennia...
Are we this devoted to prayer in our churches today?
To be devoted to prayer means more than fitting a few moments with God into the margins of life. Devotion speaks of priority, passion and persistence. As the rest of Acts will attest to, these early believers prayed together regularly, expectantly, and powerfully (Acts 4:31 anyone?!). They were devoted to prayer in both joy and hardship, in uncertainty and celebration, and they continually turned their hearts toward God. To mirror the saying we've been using across the year: prayer was not their last resort; it was their first response.
Last year, many of our worship team were deeply impacted by the below song called 'House of Prayer'. You may have heard it playing before or after our services. I think part of the reason it resonated so strongly is that, like Acts 2:42-47, the lyrics capture a purity of heart and intention when it comes to "church". When you have a quiet moment, it is worth a listen.
Friends, let us never neglect the sacred ministry of prayer.
Let us never take for granted the humbling privilege of being able to boldly approach in prayer our God who sits enthroned over all (Hebrews 4:16), and do so as his beloved children (Matthew 7:11).
A Challenge for this Week:
Every time you are prompted to pray... stop and actually pray! (a meaningful moment of prayer now, is better that a well intentioned maybe later)
Each time you are made aware of a need in the life of another, stop to pray for them
(even better if you can do so in person with them)
Identify an area of your life needing prayer and... ask for it!
(ask a friend, your connect group or share a prayer request with our intercessors)
This Sunday, find one person to pray with and for after the service
Ministry Highlight: Baptisms
If you missed it, last Sunday we had another chance to witness some Baptisms at the end of our Services. We share in the joy of Sophie, Isaac, Liz and Rachel in declaring their faith in Jesus through Baptism!
Please be in prayer for the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in their lives as they continue to learn, grow and follow Jesus as Lord and Saviour! And, as always, if you are considering the next step of baptism for yourself - please come and chat to any of our pastoral team.
May Mission Month Project - Thailand Youth Camp
We are over half-way through May and getting closer to hitting our May Mission Month fundraising target of $4500 to cover the costs of a Youth Camp in Northern Thailand! So far over $3300 has been raised towards it. Run by our Baptist Mission Australia partners Muana and Villy, we are excited for the Kingdom Impact this youth camp will have among the next generation in Northern Thailand!
You can help us hit our target for May Mission Month Project here.
NVBC has been a long-term supporter of Muana & Villy who have been working with the Northern Thai people since 2001. Learn more about this work here and make sure to come along Sunday May 31st when Muana will be speaking in person at our Services!
Mission Update: Nita Finger
Nita thanks God for good rains so far this wet season, despite these rains occasionally interfering with normal activities, like the congregation at Timngorok, where there is no roof large enough to shelter everyone!
A YWAM team visited recently, and Nita & her team hosted two ladies. One morning they joined locals in Timngorok to do some door-to-door evangelism. They were encouraged that some of those they'd met while door-knocking turned up at the next week's Bible study. Now there are plans for more door-knocking. Nita is looking forward to her home assignment in Australia, from next month. We also look forward to her joining us on a Sunday soon.
Above Left: Nita with the WAM visitors and most of her Moroto-based team.
Above Right: After the door-knocking evangelism, these visitors came to the Bible study!
Nita, who was part of the NVBC family for several years, is now part of Africa Inland Mission (Australasia) team working with the Karamojong people group. You can learn more about Nita’s work here. Or talk to Petro Venter. And watch for her prayer points is in The Harvest.
Next Week for some of the Pastoral Team
As part of our ongoing commitment to grow as leaders and disciples,
Next Monday-Tuesday Johnny, Zach and Rachel will be attending the Baptist Association's LeadUp Conference at Kiah Ridge.
Next Tuesday-Thursday Travis will be attending the National Baptist Senior Pastors Gathering in Adelaide and take a few days leave afterwards.
We invite you to pray for a renewing time of visioning and equipping for the roles that God has for us.
This Sunday
This Sunday Zach continues our series in the book of Acts at both AM + PM Services.
After the AM Service we are hosting a Count Me In Lunch (Sun 24 May) for any ready to become Ministry Partners at NVBC. Or for anyone keen to simply learn more about it first.
Ministry Partnership (often called membership in other churches) is our way of individuals and families saying "count me in" to full participation in the life and decision-making of NVBC. Put simply, if you love Jesus and call NVBC your spiritual church home, then we would love to welcome you into Ministry Partnership at NVBC. You can: rego here !
Over the Next Month
Seniors Service (Thurs 28 May)
Join for an encouraging morning of hymns, prayer, communion and a special message from Bryan Shirley.
Craft Day (Sat 30 May)
Run by our good friend Beth Lane, the Craft Days are a lovely opportunity to make some progress on any BYO craft projects in the company of some lovely friends.
(Youth) House Party (Fri 5 June)
The Valley Youth will be offsite Fri 5th June for: Dinner, Dessert, Bonfire, Swimming Pool, Games and so much more! This is a free event, perfect for inviting a friend to!
Men's Breakky (Sat 6 June)
One for the fellas - join for a quick breaky, coffee, connection and chat to start the weekend.
Prayer Gathering (Wed 17 June)
Our next scheduled evening of prayer where we follow the example of the early church in Acts: 'they devoted themselves... to prayer' (Acts 2:42). 7pm start. All welcome.
Presence Night (Sun 21 June)
Join for a time of unhurried worship, prayer and encounter with God.
For all other upcoming events, visit:
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