DECEMBER 5, Acts 4:24-30

Yesterday we learnt that Peter and John were persecuted. Today’s text records they returned to the church. When the church members heard how the apostles were delivered from their persecutors, what do you think they did first? Turn to the Lord. The first thing that the church did was to pray. When a church is in trouble or has to overcome a problem, it must pray. The early church did just that.

What is prayer? Prayer is simply a conversation with the Lord. However, God is not someone we contact by mobile phone or email! We communicate with Him through prayer. When we pray, we must not use words that are meaningless or repetitive. Some religions teach chanting: repeating a word or phrase over and over again. That is not what we should do when we pray. Instead we should use simple and more importantly, heartfelt words to talk to our Heavenly Father. We could also remember Bible verses or promises as we speak to Him. Prayer is knowing what God would like us to have or do, and then doing it.

A Christian must pray regularly. We think about God and how much He loves us. We tell Him about many things and we ask Him for some things. Will God hear us? Indeed, He will!

There is a hymn we often sing.

Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer,
That bids me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father’s throne,
Make all my wants and wishes known;

In seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief,
And oft escaped the tempter’s name,
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer.

Thought: How often do you talk to God? Why?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that I can pray any time to tell You about my problems. Teach me to pray and help me to remember how great and kind You are. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.