Prayer and Visions
It is very interesting to read the book of Acts and learn about how often the Apostles and others set themselves to pray. Peter is always praying. Peter and John pray at the hour of prayer in Acts 3, all the apostles and disciples lifted up their voice to God with one accord in Acts 4, all the apostles devoted the majority of their time to prayer and the ministry of the word in Acts 6, Peter kneels down and prays in Acts 9, and Peter prays on the housetop in Joppa in Acts 10. These men set their hearts to seek the Lord Jesus Christ, for they had all experienced failure when operating in their own strength. Now, they had come to learn what dependency upon Christ meant, and their dependency upon their Messiah is revealed to us through their continued emphasis upon prayer.
Man and woman of God are you dependent upon the Messiah? This is not a question that can be answered mentally, but one that is already answered by the amount of time you spend in prayer.
On a housetop in Joppa, while seeking the Lord Jesus Christ, Jesus gives Peter a vision. Peter did not understand the vision though he had been seeking the Lord and desired to know what it was all about. Notice that the Spirit does not reveal to Peter the meaning of the vision until the men from Cornelius's household actually arrive at the gate of Simon's house and call for Peter.
Why did God do it this way? Why didn't God just tell Peter everything from the moment the vision ceased? Why did Peter have to continue to wait upon the Lord? One reason why is that there is something extremely special about waiting upon the Lord for understanding, seeking the Lord for His direction, and praying to the Lord because you absolutely know what you are without Him. The recognition of our weakness through the power of the Holy Spirit creates within the heart of those humbled by failure and stupidity the torrential heart clamor for Jesus to be Lord of all you are, all you say, and all you do.
Not understanding the vision created an attentiveness and a sensitivity that was a necessary prelude that resulted in Peter's continual reminder of His dependency upon Jesus Christ and the necessity to seek His face.
How is your prayer life? It won't be like Peter's or any of the apostles' until you learn from your arrogance of not having one.
It all boils down to this humble admonition: "shut up and pray!"
Man and woman of God are you dependent upon the Messiah? This is not a question that can be answered mentally, but one that is already answered by the amount of time you spend in prayer.
On a housetop in Joppa, while seeking the Lord Jesus Christ, Jesus gives Peter a vision. Peter did not understand the vision though he had been seeking the Lord and desired to know what it was all about. Notice that the Spirit does not reveal to Peter the meaning of the vision until the men from Cornelius's household actually arrive at the gate of Simon's house and call for Peter.
Why did God do it this way? Why didn't God just tell Peter everything from the moment the vision ceased? Why did Peter have to continue to wait upon the Lord? One reason why is that there is something extremely special about waiting upon the Lord for understanding, seeking the Lord for His direction, and praying to the Lord because you absolutely know what you are without Him. The recognition of our weakness through the power of the Holy Spirit creates within the heart of those humbled by failure and stupidity the torrential heart clamor for Jesus to be Lord of all you are, all you say, and all you do.
Not understanding the vision created an attentiveness and a sensitivity that was a necessary prelude that resulted in Peter's continual reminder of His dependency upon Jesus Christ and the necessity to seek His face.
How is your prayer life? It won't be like Peter's or any of the apostles' until you learn from your arrogance of not having one.
It all boils down to this humble admonition: "shut up and pray!"
Labels: Prayer
posted by Ryan at
12:24 PM
4 Comments:
Just like what we sing on a Sunday Ryan:
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits!
Wow...I just taught this story today in Sunday School to the 3-5 year olds. (Hmmm...coincidence...I don't think so.) It is so easy to make excuses as to why my prayer life isn't what it should be right now...but as you so appropriately put it...I just need to "shut up (my excuses) and pray"! Thank you for this post, Ryan.
I am excited about our Sunday School ministry! I rejoice that our children a learning the value, necessity, and power of prayer! Thank you for your service Anna. You and your husband are an awesome team. We are glad we can be a part of your lives!
William,
I am glad we get to wait on the Lord together!
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