SCRIPTURE FOCUS
Acts 2:42 - All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
PRAYER FOCUS
The early church in Acts had a great impact on the community surrounding it. Beginning in Jerusalem, the Bible reveals that “awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles (Acts 2:43).” Just a few verses later, we read that “the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” (verse 47).
However, first we are told that all the believers devoted themselves to four activities: the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, sharing meals, and to prayer. To be devoted to these activities means to be steadfast toward them. The result from Acts 2 was that there were those added to the church on a daily basis.
For our prayer focus today, let’s meditate on being steadfast in prayer. The early church was characterized by steadfast prayer, not merely occasionally but continually. They all prayed, not only a few spiritual ones. In the parable of the persistent widow found in Luke 18, Jesus wanted his hearers always to pray and not lose heart. The judge in this story was one of poor moral character. How much more will our God hear and answer our persistent prayers!
RESPONSE
As we are nearing the end of our 21 day prayer focus, be encouraged always to pray and not lose heart. Pray for our church also. Pray that all would be hungry for the Word of God, “the apostles’ teaching.” Pray that our church would be devoted to developing meaningful relationships with each other. Pray that a culture that values prayer would be developed within our community at Oaks Church. Pray corporately in times with other believers, as well as praying alone.
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