"Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer.  And a man who had been lame from his mother's womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple.  When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he began asking to receive alms.  But Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze on him and said, 'Look at us!'"

It is important for our study of these verses to realize where Peter and John are going.  It is the hour of prayer for the Jewish people.  They are going to church to pray.  The two men, after following Jesus, still place a remarkably high value on prayer.  They are going to pray with God's people - whether those people believe Jesus is the Messiah or not. 

Prayer is that vital.

It is so important, that it compels Peter and John to action.

When they see the young man by the gate, Peter looks at him and says:  Look at us!  Peter has a message that he knows will transform this young man.  It is the same message that transformed Peter. 

This message would never have been delivered if these two men of God were not going to talk to God.

Prayer is essential for community.