Dr. Luke opens part 2 of his great life's work by reminding Theophilus of all that he detailed in part 1 of the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Acts opens with the exhortation "to wait for the promise of the Father" because, as Jesus assured them, "You will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."
How did they wait? Luke records in detail where they went (an upper room in Jerusalem), who was there (the eleven remaining disciples - sans Judas - along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus and his brothers), and what they did to wait.
They prayed. Specifically, they "were devoting themselves to prayer."
They prayed together ("all these").
They prayed in unity ("with one accord").
They prayed passionately ("were devoting themselves").
It's certainly true that we don't have to come together in one place to pray. But there is a particular blessing in occasionally coming together to pray with great passion in unity for the fulfillment of God's promises in Christ Jesus.
By Dana Olson
Converge Prayer First team member
Senior Pastor, Faith Baptist Fellowship, Sioux Falls, SD
Grace Point has a regular prayer gathering on Wednesday evenings at 7 PM in the Heritage Room. All are welcome to join us to pray for the church, for missions, and for each other.
*Converge is the Baptist association of churches to which Grace Point belongs
