Day 3

WEEK 1:  THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER

MIGHTY MEN OF GOD

SCRIPTURE

• Acts 6:1-4 (NIV) In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2  So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3  Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4  and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."

OBSERVATIONThe apostles knew their priority was praying, preaching, teaching, and studying the Word. They would let nothing, no matter how urgent, distract them from those duties.For them the it was not that serving in ministry was not important, it was the fact that serving in ministry had to be preceded by prayer.  Prayer preceded and pervaded everything they did.We see the same with the apostle Paul, who was also devoted to prayer.

• He wrote to the Romans that "God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you always in my prayers" (Rom. 1:9-10).
• He told the Ephesians "I do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers (Eph. 1:16).
• To the Philippians he wrote, "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all" (Phil. 1:3-4).
• Paul also prayed constantly for the Colossian church: "For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding" (Col. 1:9).

Paul's ministry was built on his devotion to prayer.  We all know what kind of results he had.UNDERSTANDINGThe apostles' pledge to devote themselves to their ministry set the pattern for all to follow. Too many Christians today have left the emphasis on prayer and the Word of God. We get so busy with the details of ministering and doing leaving us little time for prayer and the study of God’s Word.  Nothing substitutes for God’s power in ministry and the only way we can really have that kind of power and anointing is by prioritizing prayer and the study of the Word of God.LIFE APPLICATIONFather I am convicted that I have been placing the details of serving you above my relationship with You.  I get so busy with doing that I forget that the power and anointing for ministry and life flows out of communion with you in prayer and the study of your Word.  Forgive me for messing up the order. Join us this evening from 7-8pm for a time of worship and prayer in the church Auditorium.