Prayerfully waiting on the Holy Spirit

Prayerfully waiting on the Holy Spirit

S - Act 1:12-14 (NASB)
¹² Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. ¹³ When they had entered the city, they went up to the upper room where they were staying; that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. ¹⁴ These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along withthe women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.


O - After Christ's resurrection and ascension I can imagine both the exciting and the following fear or at the very least concern that must of been among the disciples.  You see up to then they had been following Jesus for as long as 3 years, they had seen incredible miracles, had been taught by the master himself, and then witnessed his arrest, crucifixion and subsequent resurrection and ascension into heaven.    So now what do these band of apostles do in light of their fearless leader being gone.  The truth is Jesus had been preparing them indirectly for this moment for years as he taught and sent them to do ministry in God's name along the way.   He also gave promises to support them in their future ministry that though He would be absent in body, He would send the Holy Spirit to act as a teacher and guide, and that He himself would represent the disciples to God from Heaven.    One notable observation is that as they gathered in solidarity and prayer, that Jesus' mother Mary and Jesus' brothers were there as well.   While we do not see through scripture Jesus calling his brothers to ministry, we do know that James his brother becomes an early church leader in Jerusalem.


A -  The application for me is be mostly be inspired by the faith and dedication of the disciples and what it must have been like to meet daily in prayer and faith,  awaiting the Father's guidance on where to move next.   I think that same emotion is felt today in church leaders heading out on new callings into unknown areas.   Even an experienced Pastor, may be called one day to go start a church plant, or go on a mission trip, and the experience can only tell us who to cling to, who to draw our strength and wisdom from.   Times of fervent prayer and meditation in these times are required to ensure we wait patiently on the Lord.   The apostles gathered in the upper room not knowing in chapter 2 they would receive the Holy Spirit, but in faith, waited patiently on the lord for guidance, wisdom, and strength.


P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for today's lesson, may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord that you would show me your ways,  Holy Spirit speak to me, guide me, teach me and correct me.  I pray that Lord you show me your perfect timing, for what I am to do here in Monterey, and what you would have me do at New Hope Honolulu.   I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.