Biblical Teachings on Prayer
Acts 1:12-14
The apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives…
When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying…
They all joined together constantly in prayer…
Pondering Point
This 10-day long event referenced above followed Jesus’ ascension and was just remembered this past Sunday in worship. Along with Jesus’ personal family and some faithful women, the apostles seemed to have spent the bulk of those ten days praying. They were in constant prayer expectantly waiting for the promised Holy Spirit.
Prayer Prompt
Ask yourself these questions: How are you like those faithful followers of Jesus? How are you different? Ponder it with God – see where He takes you in thought and prayer. Take 10-15 minutes or even more. That is what I did after writing this devotion material for the week.
Tomorrow you will be asked to engage in a spiritual discipline we have introduced through Immersed in Jesus in the past. It is called the Personal Examen, created by Saint Ignatius of Loyola. For today, enjoy this quote from John Mark Comer, a pastor and author who underwent a massive life change about God’s place in His busy life.
My friends at Red Church in Melbourne, Australia, have this saying: win the day. They mean, at the beginning of each day, put your phone on the other side of your house and don't look at it until you've spent time in devotion to God. I highly recommend you adopt this practice. This, again, was a game-changer for me. A way to keep my priorities in check. More than that, to start my day sitting in love and joy and peace, not getting sucked into the hurry, anxiety, and outrage of the world.
J.M. Comer, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, p. 229