A Mission Soaked in Prayer
Acts 4:23–31
Have you ever experienced a challenging season or difficulty in your life when, while you were going through it, you did not know how you were going to make it through?
It may not have been that you doubted God or His promises; it was simply that the darkness seemed to be winning. You do a spiritual self-check, an honest inventory, asking God to show you what areas of unconfessed sin remain. But the darkness remains.
While times such as these are not uncommon for the Christian, they are no less trying. I can recall one such time in my life when I felt defeated. Walking into the sanctuary one Sunday morning, I was carrying extra burdens, yet I still had the responsibility to preach and greet each person with love and care.
A gentleman named Kraig was aware of some of the spiritual weight I was carrying and placed his hand on my shoulder as I passed by. I could feel him physically leading me somewhere. I said nothing, but I understood his intentions.
He led me to the altar, where we knelt together, and he prayed over me. It seemed we were the only ones in the room that morning, and I will be forever grateful for his kindness, love and concern for his pastor. I am convinced his prayers gave me the strength and resolve to carry on.
Prayer is a powerful tool in the life of the believer. It is in those intimate moments of communion with the heavenly Father that we find hope, healing and the strength to continue.
Recognize the majesty and power of God. (23–26)
When the early church prayed, they were quick to acknowledge the Lord’s works. If we do not believe God is powerful and able to meet our needs, we will be less inclined to spend time with Him in prayer.
Perhaps that is an area in your life you need to examine. Are you neglecting time with God because you lack faith in Him or because you are trying to figure out life or fix things in your own strength?
Prayer begins with recognizing and realizing our need for Almighty God in our lives.
Acknowledge that God is at work even in the face of opposition. (27–28)
It should be a relief that we are not in control. Imagine if we were. You may think things would automatically improve, but you are forgetting one detail — you and I lack the wisdom, power and even long-suffering that God possesses.
When we pray, we humble ourselves and yield our ways to His. We will not always understand why God does what He does, but that does not mean He cannot be trusted. God has an eternal view and purposes in mind that we could never orchestrate or comprehend.
Ask for boldness in sharing the gospel. (29–31)
When you or I spend time with God in prayer, we walk away with spiritual blessings. In this story, boldness was the blessing they needed. The boldness they received propelled them to advance the gospel.
Our churches need to return to this passion for prayer. One church committed to prayer and obedience can change its community. You never know when you will need a “Kraig” in your life. Will you pray with me?
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
