Listen

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a sabbath day’s journey away. When they entered the city, they went to the upstairs room where they were staying. Peter, John, James, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James, Alphaeus’ son; Simon the zealot; and Judas, James’ son— all were united in their devotion to prayer, along with some women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

Acts 1:12-14

Think

What were the Apostles, Mary, and those with them praying? I cannot even imagine; but from what Scripture tells us, they were “united in their devotion to prayer” (v. 14). Obedient to Christ’s command from verse 4 to not leave Jerusalem, they await together in prayer the fulfillment of God’s promise.

Thankfully, we do not need to wait for Sunday worship or Wednesday prayer meetings to unite with fellow believers in obedience and prayer. Over and over each day, God gifts us with opportunities to pray. Whether with our family or friends, we can devote ourselves to our Lord by spending time in prayer.

How else could we even imagine what it would look like to arise to life in Christ? How better to spend our time waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled in our lives than this? Such a blessing would have to begin in prayer, surrounded by those who share our faith, no matter where we may find ourselves.

Sarah Boatwright

Pray

Thank you for this moment to pray, Lord.

Please teach me obedience and patience as I await your faithful fulfillment of all your promises.

Amen.

Go

I lift up my eyes to the hills—
from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2 (NRSV)