As we continue our consideration of Jesus as our Prophet, Priest & King, we see in our text an example of what passionate believers look and act like in real time. A significant yet behind the scenes aspect of their ministry was their absolute dependence on the power of prayer. At least seventeen times in Acts they mention specifically their praying. Five other times they admonish people to pray. It was understood that prayer was what connected their hearts to the heart of God. Prayer is not an escape from responsibility on our part, it is our response to God’s ability.
When asked to explain the secret of his remarkable ministry, the famous British preacher C.H. Spurgeon replied, “My people pray for me.” St. Augustine said, “Pray as though everything depended on God, and work as though everything depended on you.”
Martin Luther once said, “I am so busy now that if I did not spend three hours each day in prayer, I could not get through the day.” William Carey, the famous missionary who took the gospel to China was quoted as saying, “Prayer, secret, fervent, believing prayer lies at the root of all personal godliness.”
David Mains had a church in the inner city of Chicago. The prayer that fueled his ministry was, “Lord, let me see the world as you see it, and break my heart with the things that break yours.” If you find your heart a little calloused this morning about the needs of so many around us, then be honest with Him. Tell Him, “I’m sorry that I’m not sorry, please soften my callous heart.”
God’s sovereignty is an incentive to prayer because it assures us that when we pray for things that accord with His will, He’ll gladly do them. Are you praying for me, for the leadership, for the body of believers, for your own walk and witness? Be assured, prayer changes things!
Blessings,
Rick