Title: The Apostles Prayed
Memorize: And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31
Bible Reading: Acts 4:29-31
[29] And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
[30] By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
[31] And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Message:
After Jesus ascended to heaven, He promised to send the Comforter – the Holy Spirit.
Do you know that when the apostles gathered in the Upper Room, they were not playing or jesting but were waiting and praying for the promise of the Holy Spirit?
The only leader they had known for about three years, Jesus, had just left them, and they needed strength and power to face the persecution that was sure to come with propagating the gospel.
Hence, they tarried in the upper room until God filled them with the Holy Spirit.
As we see in today’s Bible reading, the apostles did not become discouraged by the threats and challenges they encountered.
Instead, they turned to prayer as a source of strength and courage. They recognised the Holy Spirit’s role in enabling them to fulfil their calling.
My dear child, if you have been called to serve in a department in your church, I would like you to seek God’s help through prayers so that you can stand firm in the days of adversity.
This will also help you to overcome fear and uncertainty while discharging your duties or responsibilities.
Prayer Point:
Father, please grant me the boldness to always do Your will.
HYMN 61: TAKE THE NAME OF JESUS WITH YOU
1 Take the name of Jesus with you,
Child of sorrow and of woe.
It will joy and comfort give you,
Take it then where’er you go.
Chorus:
Precious name, O how sweet!
Hope of earth and joy of heaven;
Precious name, O how sweet!
Hope of earth and joy of heaven.
2 Take the name of JesUs ever
As a shield from evr’y snare;
If temptations ’round you gather,
Breathe that holy name in prayer.
3 Oh, the precious name of Jesus,
How it thrills our souls with joy,
When His loving arms receive us,
And His songs Our tongues employ!
4 At the name of Jesus bowing,
Falling prostrate at His feet
King of kings, in heaven we’ll crown Him
When our journey is complete.
Bible In One Year: Lamentations 3:l-66, Hebrews 1:1-14
Authors: Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Pastor Folu Adeboye