Daily Devotional For Thursday, January 9, 2025
Yesterday we looked at prayer and for today I want to continue with the same topic. We all as Christians know we should pray and that we should pray more. We can take all the classes on prayer we want, attend all the seminars and conferences on prayer we want, but none of these can substitute for prayer itself. Sometimes we can be more focused on having more information about prayer rather than experiencing transformation through prayer.
Look at Acts 4:31, "When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God boldly” (CSB). This account in Acts, chapter four, is not a meeting of trained religious leaders who pray until the room shakes. These are regular people who believe, pray, and are filled with the Holy Spirit. In fact, these were not seminary trained people nor seminary graduated ministers. These were uneducated, common men who took prayer seriously.
We’re quite content to read about the Spirit filling other people and empowering them to do great things for God. But are we willing to invite Him into our own lives and circumstances — waiting on the Lord in obedience and in prayer? Evil is running rampant in our world, and the only force powerful enough to overcome it is the Spirit of God. I encourage you to open your heart and mind to the examination of God’s Spirit. Invite Him to come in and shake up whatever needs shaking—whether that be your life, your home, your church, or your community. Then, when He does, go and tell the story of what He has done for you and how He can also transform them.
Consider this story by Samuel Guillebaud below:
“Dr. Helen Roseveare, missionary to the Congo, told the story of a mother on her mission station who died after giving birth to a premature baby. They tried to improvise an incubator, but the only hot water bottle they had was beyond repair. So, they prayed for the baby and for her little sister who was now an orphan. One of the girls responded, “Dear God, please send a hot water bottle today. Tomorrow will be too late. And dear Lord, send a doll for her sister so she won't feel so lonely.”
That afternoon a parcel arrived from England and the children watched as they opened it. To their surprise, under some clothing was a hot water bottle! Immediately the girl who had prayed dug deeper into the parcel. She was sure God would provide the doll she prayed for. And she was right! The Heavenly Father knew of the child's faith. Five months before that morning prayer, he had led a women’s church group to include both of those specific items” (Source: Samuel Gulliebvaud, More Than Conquerors: A Call to Radical Discipleship, p. 80).
Sometimes it seems that God answers our prayers even before we ask Him. Perhaps you have prayed many times for something. You have waited for the answer, but none has come. God knows your every need. Be assured, an answer will come. Trust Isaiah 65:24, "Even before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear” (CSB).
Questions To Consider
- What do you think of the story Samuel Guillebaud told? Was it a coincidence or an answer to a to-be-future prayer? Why?
- What prayers have you personally had God answer? Did you thank God at the time or did you forget? How about taking a moment to thank God now for all the prayers He has answered for you.
- When you read Acts 4:31, the disciples were just ordinary uneducated men who prayed. Do you ever think that the prayers of your pastor or a minister touches God’s heart more than yours? Why?
- Why do you think God moved in such a way in Acts 4:31?
Scripture To Meditate On: Isaiah 65:24, "Even before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear” (CSB).
Prayer To Pray: ”Heavenly Father, forgive me for excusing ungodliness, tolerating deception, or accommodating evil—may Your Holy Spirit reveal to me anything that diminishes You. Grant me humility and courage to surrender to You for the life-transformation that will create opportunities to boldly tell others about the power of the cross. Please forgive me when I fail to pray in faith as those very first Christians did in Acts 4. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
I love you Southside!--Pastor Kelly