Not My Usual Clean and Somewhat Classy Blog…
Book of Acts, Chapter 1, Verses 12-14 (continued)
Verse 12. “Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, (Olive Orchard) which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.”
Verse 13. “And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. (Verse 14) These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.”
Verse 14. “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.”
The First Deed
They continued daily in prayer and supplication. The use of two words which speak of much the same activity adds weight to what those in the upper room were doing.
The prayer of Jesus’ followers had changed. Praying with Jesus had now become praying to Jesus. It would have seemed strange for them to pray to Jesus when they had just finished a face-to-face conversation with Him. Their conversation with the no-longer-visible Jesus was no less significant or effective than their face-to-face communication. The disciples were now in the same place we find ourselves in prayer. Till now Jesus’ followers could directly appeal to Him. Conversation in person had now become a conversation in the spirit.
They continued daily in prayer and supplication emphasized determination and perseverance. Continued has been translated as “hold fast,” or to “attach oneself.” This group had not come together for social interaction. They were focused on prayer
Prayer plays a significant role in the story of the church as recorded in the Book of Acts. Great Prayer Meetings in Acts:
- The Prayer meeting that brought the power down. “These continued with one accord in prayer . . .” (Acts 1:14)
- A prayer meeting brought Peter out of prison. “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” (Acts 12:5)
- A prayer meeting brought the gospel in.” On the Sabbath we went out of the city by a riverside, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down and spake unto the women which had resorted thither. “ (Acts 16:13)
Prayer is both the thermometer and the thermostat of the local church; for the “spiritual temperature” either goes up or down, depending on how God’s people pray. What is your church’s systematic prayer program? If there is little corporate prayer, organized, structured prayer; in most instances, there will be little prayer. Sustained prayer. Ongoing prayer.
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