June 03, 2019
These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer (Acts 1:14)
Prayer is the foundation for all of life. Imagine the emotions and sense of fear and expectancy when Christ had been resurrected, appeared to His disciples, and then ascended. They were instructed to merely wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit who would endue them with power to be witnesses to Christ all across the world (Acts 1:8).
So, what did they do? They prayed and they prayed together.
"These all"
The entire group recognized the priority of prayer. No one was missing (which is the opposite of most of our prayer gatherings today).
"with one mind"
They were completely united in prayer. There is something about prayer that unifies. Something amazing happens when we all gather in the presence of the Lord. Our agendas are laid at His feet and we discover His agenda. And we are united in that agenda.
"were continually"
Prayer for them was not a momentary crisis reaction, but an unceasing reality.
"devoting themselves"
The word "devote" means to "be strong towards." Some are strong towards sports, or work, or entertainment. These men and women were visible strong in communion with God.
"to prayer"
They were devoted to the one thing that they knew would change everything, for prayer can do what God can do. The next chapters of the book of Acts tell the story of the results. The Spirit came in power and launched the rapid expansion of the church. And, if you will study it, you will discover that prayer is found in almost every chapter and at the forefront of each major experience of the exploding church in Acts.
This was the pattern of men and women who were greatly used of God.
Is it our pattern? Is it yours?
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