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The weakest part of our Christian life is prayer. We pay the
least attention to it. We are afraid to open our mouths to
pray.
[Act 4:24] And when they heard that, they lifted up their
voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God,
which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that
in them is:
This is a model prayer for us as it tells us how to pray.
V24 shows us the prayer which worked and changed the church
after Pentecost. Henceforth, the church could not remain
silent and hid in the corner. The church flourished and
people were being added. The believers knew they had the
greatest weapon, that was, the weapon of prayer. Not by
might or human power, they could win the battle. We too need
to learn how to fight our spiritual battle.
[Act 4:31] And when they had prayed, the place was shaken
where they were assembled together; and they were all filled
with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with
boldness.
When the apostles finished praying, the place shook. They
were filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the word of
God boldly. There was much power in prayer. How can we
harness such power for the ministry of our days and
circumstances? Learn from this early church how to pray –
the people prayed with “one accord.” This does not mean the
people said the same prayer simultaneously. It means their
minds were in full harmony; they were united in the things
they were asking God; they were in total agreement.
How can we achieve the power of prayer?
People need to assemble together. Prayer is not for the
church office bearers alone but for all members who come
united and pray together. All of us have a part in the
prayer life of the church.
People should add their Amen to the prayer of their fellow
believers. Not every one wants to be heard praying aloud but
they can be present at prayer meetings physically and give
their Amen. Christians praying together is the greatest
unifying force of the church today. It helps strengthen the
bond among believers.
As the early church grew, persecution came. Satan could not
leave gospel work alone. It is no different today. Whenever
and wherever the gospel is preached, the devil is there
trying to disrupt it. People are upset when the name of God
is proclaimed.
Persecution in itself has no power. Instead, it should drive
believers together and pray with “one accord.” This is the
greatest thing that can happen to a church.
In addition to praying with “one accord,” V24 also shows us
how the early Christians prayed with “one creed” which
helped them stay focused and united. The apostles called out
“Lord, thou art God.” They had no difficulty
identifying with the deity of Jesus. They knew Jesus was the
second person in the Trinity and they gave Him the glorious
title “Lord.” They recognized that He is the King of the
world and Head of the church. He is the great Creator of the
universe, the Alpha and the Omega. They knew Him and prayed
in His name. [John 14:13] And whatsoever ye shall ask in
my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in
the Son.
[Act 4:26-27] The kings of the earth stood up, and the
rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against
his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus,
whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate,
with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered
together.
People hate the name of the Lord. The kings, rulers, Herod,
Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles, even the people of Israel
became friends because they had a common enemy – Jesus
Christ. The Gentiles and the Israelites had nothing in
common but they “gathered together” in their hatred for the
Lord. They crucified Jesus on Calvary. They meant evil but
God meant it for good.
Just like Joseph. His brothers sold him into slavery in
Egypt. They meant evil but God had a purpose; that the
Israelites would not vanish but saved from the severe
famine. [Genesis 50:20] But as for you, ye thought evil
against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as
it is this day, to save much people alive.
God in His infinite wisdom means evil deeds of men for
good.
Believers must come together to pray for the survival of the
church. We do not need carnal weapons or physical power.
When we pray, God hears us and answers our prayer. God will
empower the teaching and preaching of His word. When men and
women give themselves to prayer, they are doing the greatest
thing for the church. It is not good programmes or good
ideas that count most. It’s prayer.
When did you last attend the church prayer meeting? Do not
say you don’t have an opportunity to serve in the church.
Come to prayer meetings and add your Amen. God works though
prayer. We will never know the full potentials of the church
if we don’t pray. God may open new doors of ministries.
Act 4:31 And when they had prayed….they were all filled with
the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with
boldness.
The believers now spoke the word of God with boldness and
gave witness of the resurrection of Christ. They feared God
more than men. “Great grace was upon them all.” When
God emboldens a preacher at the pulpit, he becomes a
different person and preaches the word of God boldly.
Therefore, it is important to pray for our pastors and
ministers who preach the Word of God. |
