Unstoppable! 'Time Together Meant Time in Prayer' — Acts 1:12-14

Saturday, January 13, 2024

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

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[After Jesus' ascension,] the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile. When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying.

Here are the names of those who were present: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the zealot), and Judas (son of James). They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.

— Acts 1:12-14 NLT

Key Thought

When Jesus' early disciples got together, they devoted themselves to prayer. In today's verses, they prayed in preparation for the Spirit's coming. They later prayed for boldness in the face of persecution (Acts 4:23-31). Peter and John went into the Temple at the time of prayer and healed the man at the gate called Beautiful (Acts 3:1-9). The apostles delegated some responsibilities to others so that they could devote themselves to prayer and sharing the message of Jesus (Acts 6:1-7). Peter was praying when he received his vision that led to the conversion of a Gentile army officer (a Roman centurion, Cornelius), who was also a man of prayer (Acts 10:1-13). The disciples prayed when Peter was put into prison and was miraculously delivered to them safely (Acts 12:5-12). I wonder how our emphasis on and passion for prayer compares to the early disciples.

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for hearing my prayers. Thank you for Jesus' being at your right hand to bring my requests to you when I pray. Thank you for the Holy Spirit's interceding for both my words and my groanings and emotions that won't fit into words. I ask for your forgiveness for the times that I have wasted opportunities to speak with you in prayer. I want to dedicate myself to prayer. Use me to bring others with me to you in this gift of prayer. Help me know how to balance intercession with praise and thanksgiving. Most of all, dear Father, use my prayers to bless others and encourage your people. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 2:42
  • Colossians 4:2-4

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 1:12-14 NLT — [After Jesus' ascension,] the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile. When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying. Here are the names of those who were present: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the zealot), and Judas (son of James). They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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