Prayer is a Priority

​Repeatedly in the book of Acts, we read that the believers prayed together and shared the gospel and the Lord continued to add to their numbers. The early church was growing, and it soon became evident some structure was needed to help the Church care for everyone, including all the widows who needed help.
When the apostles first heard that some widows weren’t getting their needs met, they respond with instruction to appoint some wise leaders who are full of the Holy Spirit and have a good reputation, for it was not desirable for them to neglect prayer and the word of God. The apostles knew they were called to devote themselves to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. This was their highest priority, and the result was, “the word of God kept on spreading” (6:7).
After the spirit filled men were appointed, the apostles prayed and then laid hands on them, publicly setting them apart for church ministry (6:6). The whole problem-solving process was oriented to God through prayer and God’s Word.
Here we are reminded that all Church leaders and the entire congregation need to walk in daily in relationship with the living God, in submission to His Word, and in dependence on Him in prayer.
This Sunday we will hear more about prayer and serving God in the ways we are all called to. We will pay special attention to Stephen, one of the men appointed to serve in the early church. He was the first person to be killed for his faith in Jesus. As he was dying, he prayed a special prayer of forgiveness for those who were stoning him. God would use even the horrible circumstances of Stephen’s death to continue to grow the Church. Nothing can stop the spread of the Gospel! Prayer and Gods words empower it. So, be encouraged to keep praying!
Perhaps pray about whom you can bring to Church on Sunday?
See you then,

Reverend Tanya Cummings