“Then they returned to Jerusalem…They all joined together constantly in prayer…” Acts 1:12a, 14a
After Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples followed His instructions to wait in Jerusalem for the gift of the Holy Spirit. What did they do first? Order a pizza? Form evangelism committees? Plan strategy? Nope. They prayed. The text suggests this wasn’t just a two-sentence, rote, string-together-a –few-clichés type of prayer. In fact, the brief phrase reveals at least three insights into this time of prayer:
- They all prayed. Yes, even the women! We so often look to the “professional” (i.e. the pastor) to do the praying in a group. Prayer is the responsibility, the privilege, of every believer.
- They prayed together. There is great joy in joining together in prayer. In fact, I’m convinced that God uses this time to not only spur us on to pray for the object of our prayers, but also to simultaneously unite the hearts and minds of those praying. It is difficult to be angry or out of step with someone you are praying with. If a relationship is a bit strained –whether it be your marriage partner, your child, or your ministry partner – why not suggest praying together for a common concern, people group, missionary, or country.
- They prayed constantly. Don’t you just love –ly words? Adverbs change the whole picture! The difference between praying and praying constantly is huge.
Lord, teach me to pray.
Live Sent Action Point: Choose a missionary from each region mentioned in Acts 1:8. Invite a friend for coffee and then spend the afternoon praying together constantly for those serving Him full time.
