On Prayer

In our small group study on the book of Acts, I’ve been so encouraged and challenged by the early church. For instance, in their first encounter with persecution how did they respond? They did what should be first on our list. They prayed. And I’m struck by how they prayed in Acts 4:23-31. They prayed biblically. They discerned their situation not as something obscure but according to the lens of Scripture. They modeled their prayer after Psalm 2. This structure enabled them to pray theologically. How can we read Scripture and not have our mind on the Lord? Hence, their prayer acknowledges the sovereignty of God over all situations including their persecution. They even recounted the very persecutors of Jesus acting in accordance with the providence of God. God is always in control. And so our trust should reside in Him. This truth allowed them to pray missionally. What’s interesting is that they didn’t pray for comfort nor to be delivered from their difficult situation. They prayed that they might stay on the mission that Jesus gave them. They prayed to speak the word of God with boldness. And the Lord answered their prayer. The whole place was shaken and they were filled with the Holy Spirit so they could continue to speak the Word of God with boldness.

This is a wonderful example for us. When trials confront us let us pray. How? Pray biblically, theologically and missionally. May this priority stretch us beyond the self-orientation that often constraints us. How easy it is to pray for comfort, well-being and prosperity! The early church shows us a different way. Let us pray! And all for the glory of God.