In Acts 1:14, the believers got together for the express purpose of prayer. They continued in prayer, not just a one time 2 hour prayer meeting; this continued all day! That is what we should be striving to do. "Pray with out ceasing" the Bible says. I challenge you to do that today. Make a special effort to pray throughout the day, by God's wisdom and grace.
Meet with another good friend, or a group of friends and pray today.
And then note what happened as a result. When the group of people in this verse were praying, they were rewarded by the overflowing of the Holy Spirit upon them. They then preached the Word and saved many. Imagine what would happen if you too got on your knees with the Savior today, with other believers. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary says the following about verses 12-14 in this chapter: "God can find hiding-places for his people. They made supplication. All God's people are praying people. It was now a time of trouble and danger with the disciples of Christ; but if any is afflicted, let him pray; that will silence cares and fears. They had now a great work to do, and before they entered upon it, they were earnest in prayer to God for his presence. They were waiting for the descent of the Spirit, and abounded in prayer. Those are in the best frame to receive spiritual blessings, who are in a praying frame. Christ had promised shortly to send the Holy Ghost; that promise was not to do away prayer, but to quicken and encourage it. A little company united in love, exemplary in their conduct, fervent in prayer, and wisely zealous to promote the cause of Christ, are likely to increase rapidly."
Gills Exposition of the Entire Bible adds to this: "For the promise of the Spirit Christ had given them reason to expect; and that they might be preserved from their enemies, and kept faithful to their Lord; and be abundantly qualified for the preaching of the Gospel, and succeeded in it; and that their hearts might be comforted, and knit together in love: and they were unanimous in their requests, and so were under the promise of being heard; and in this work they were constant, and assiduous, and followed it with importunity. "
Pray while you're washing the dishes, cleaning your room, practicing your piano. Pray!
If you don't know what to pray for, here are some ideas:
-Praise Him! (Out of all the ways to pray, I think this is the most rewarding. Do it often! Praise Him in every little thing you see: the sunshine, the flowers, the delicious food before you, the strength He has given you to complete your math test, His wisdom, His mercies which are new every morning, etc.)
-Our country and president
-For grace and the Holy Spirit
-To be like HIM!
-For the poor in this country and around the world
-For your unsaved friends and family members
-For unity in your church and wisdom for your pastor
-For your parents (They do so much for us, and could most certainly use our prayers!)
I'm praying for you my friends! May you be rewarded through your time in prayer today!
No comments :
Post a Comment