This coming Sunday is the Day of St. Peter and St. Paul. We honor their faithfulness and witness for the Lord. In this post, I would like to emphasize one particular time of praying that came in the life of Paul.
In Acts 28 we read how Paul and others on the boat become shipwrecked on the island of Malta. Paul is on a voyage, along with other prisoners, to be taken to Rome in order for him to defend himself. When Paul and the others set foot on this island, they learn that the island is under the leadership of a man named Publius. Paul also learns that this man's father had become sick. We read here that Paul "visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him healed him." (verse 8).
I wonder here what Publius and his family thought about Paul after this healing? Did Publius or anyone in his family come to faith in Christ?
Imagine now that you are praying for a public official, whether for healing or for some other need. Might this not help in bringing about the welfare of your town? Might this not also make an impact on this person in government? As the church we are called to be an influence and be the light and salt of the earth. Yes, there is much that we have to offer. Pray might be one thing that you CAN do!
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Pentecost Praying
The great event of Pentecost happened shortly after Jesus' ascension. Before he had ascended, Jesus mentioned that the Holy Spirit would be coming and that his followers were to be in a waiting mode. Here is how Luke describes this time of waiting:
"All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers." Acts 1:14
Do you see that this period was not just idle waiting. Jesus' followers were actively engaged in PRAYING. I would think that praying not only displays our confidence about what our Lord promises, but also helps us to have the patience. For those disciples, it was for a period of 10 days. For us the length of time for praying for our desires might be longer!
Here is the other thing about this experience for those followers. The result, I'm sure, was greater than what they had expected. They had no idea the manner in which the Spirit would come as well as the number of people coming to faith as a result of the Pentecost event. In our own praying for what God promises in Scripture, it is possible that God will deliver in a way beyond what we ever imagined. Has this ever happened to you? Might it not be encouragement to keep on praying for what you desire in life?
"All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers." Acts 1:14
Do you see that this period was not just idle waiting. Jesus' followers were actively engaged in PRAYING. I would think that praying not only displays our confidence about what our Lord promises, but also helps us to have the patience. For those disciples, it was for a period of 10 days. For us the length of time for praying for our desires might be longer!
Here is the other thing about this experience for those followers. The result, I'm sure, was greater than what they had expected. They had no idea the manner in which the Spirit would come as well as the number of people coming to faith as a result of the Pentecost event. In our own praying for what God promises in Scripture, it is possible that God will deliver in a way beyond what we ever imagined. Has this ever happened to you? Might it not be encouragement to keep on praying for what you desire in life?
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