Grace and Favor on Every Hard Road: Acts 28

Like the Apostle Paul, may we share our story over
and over to anyone who will listen and be willing
to pay the price for the advancement of the Gospel!

I am praying through the 28 chapters of the Book of Acts, one chapter per day, for my New Testament church. I post these prayer points on my blog as a resource for those who desire to not just read about the power and growth of The Church, but want to see it manifested today in their own New Testament church. Dare we believe it? Then let's pray it!

Chapter 28

FATHER, according to Your Word and the principles of Acts 28...

* May all our missionaries be well received and granted kindness by the nationals on the fields where they serve.   (v. 2)

*  Give us the invincibility of the Apostle Paul when on a mission for you, God!  Only, as others witness your power in us, may it point them to You and not us. (v. 3)

* Give us favor with key people in the places where you send us to serve, here in our communities and mission fields beyond. Platform us to do signs and wonders so that many would believe. Supply all the needs of those we send out to serve. (v. 7-10)

* You order our steps, Lord, and send us to many places enroute to the destination you have marked out for us. May we be connected with believers along the way, encouraged as we go, just as Paul was enroute to Rome. (v. 11-15)

* Give us grace and favor on every hard road you require us to travel, God! And like Paul, may we share our story over and over along the way to anyone who will listen and be willing to pay the price for the advancement of the Gospel! (v. 16-20)

* May our message about the Kingdom of God be so radical that others will request to hear it! We trust you with the outcome of who will or will not believe, as foretold by the prophet. May the message of the salvation of God be sent to those who will listen. (v. 21-28)

* Break our hearts and bring us to our knees in desperation with the knowledge that eyes, ears and hearts will be dull to the gospel. Hear our prayers for the lost, Lord! Open eyes, ears and hearts, that many will see and hear and be healed. (v 26-27)

* Let us welcome all who will come, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.  (v. 30-31)

We agree,

in the Name of Jesus

and according to Your Word.

When Wreckage Becomes a Life Preserver: Acts 27

Those who swam to shore followed on planks
and others on various things from the ship.
And thus it happened that all were brought
safely to land.   Acts 27:43-44

I am praying through the 28 chapters of the Book of Acts, one chapter per day, for my New Testament church. I post these prayer points on my blog as a resource for those who desire to not just read about the power and growth of The Church, but want to see it manifested today in their own New Testament church. Dare we believe it? Then let's pray it!

Chapter 27
FATHER, according to Your Word and the principles of Acts 27...

* When the 'winds' do not permit us to go further, and proceeding ahead gives evidence of impending danger, quicken us to listen to the wisdom of godly counsel, regardless what the majority advises us to do. Our safest harbor may be a temporary and unfamiliar one. (v. 7-13)

* When we are seaborne and fear we might be 'run aground' or destroyed because of the violent wind and waves, we will let down our anchor, God, until you tell us differently! (v. 14-17)

* When our darkest days seem so bleak, where neither sun nor stars have appeared for many days, may we not abandon hope! (v. 20) But if we do, send us messengers to encourage us to not give up hope! (v.22) And when we have emerged victorious, send us to others in their own dark seasons to encourage them when they have abandoned hope.

*  When God has clearly spoken to us, may we face the threat of defeat, destruction or death with the conviction and faith of Paul: "I believe God, and it shall be as He has told me!"  Let us boldly declare this to unbelievers as well, that they may be spectators to the impossible and then believe in the God that we serve. (v. 23-25)

* May we be willing, God, to let go of and risk losing all that we are trying to salvage, even if it defies our natural reasoning. The very place our loss will take us to may be our next platform for ministry, only may we face it with faith, standing on the promise you have spoken to us. (v.26)

* When you have told us that we must 'run aground', give us the resolve to stay on the ship. If need be, cut loose the anchors and lifeboats we are clinging to save us!  Help us to remember that the safest place to be is on a sinking ship if that is where God has told us to remain. (v. 29-32)

* While waiting for the fulfillment of the supernatural promises of God, let us be practical and listen to wise counsel. (v.33-36)

* When our dark night is over and the fulfillment of our promise is finally in sight, let us persevere and do whatever is required in order to lay hold of it. (v. 38-41)

*  Grant us the same protection you did for the Apostle Paul when pursuing and completing an assignment you have required us to complete ( v. 24) (v. 42-43).

*  Just as Paul and all 276 passengers on his ship swam to safety on the broken pieces of the shipwrecked vessel, transform the broken pieces of our lives into life preservers, Lord! (v. 43-44)

We agree,

in the Name of Jesus

and according to Your Word.

An Audience with a King: Acts 26

I am praying through the 28 chapters of the Book of Acts, one chapter per day, for my New Testament church. I post these prayer points on my blog as a resource for those who desire to not just read about the power and growth of The Church, but want to see it manifested today in their own New Testament church. Dare we believe it? Then let's pray it!

Chapter 26
FATHER, according to Your Word and the
principles of Acts 26...

* What is it about Jesus that inspired such a radical transformation and devotion in the Apostle Paul? How did he go from being a religious man, hostile against the very name of Jesus who persecuted Christians, to being a friend and follower of Christ who was persecuted himself and eventually martyred for proclaiming the Name of Jesus?  May we present this same Jesus today by the evidence of transformation and devotion walked out in our own lives. (v. 4-23)
  
* May we never be so concerned how radical others may think we are about our faith that we lack boldness and conviction in sharing Christ. Like Paul, let it be said we are out of our minds! Remind us it is not our job to defend ourselves, but to defend the Gospel! Give us courage to respond to our mandate to testify about Jesus and His work and power in our lives, regardless how we are perceived. (v. 24-25)


* May we remember that hardship, trial and injustice against us platform us to share the gospel!  You used Paul's torture and arrest to bring him into the presence of King Agrippa. May we not waste an opportunity to speak sober truth to the 'kings' that you bring us to testify before. (v. 25-27)


* Give us favor with these 'kings', that they will be drawn to follow Christ by our testimony. (v. 28)


* May the heart of our message and mission always be like the one desire of Pauls' heart: "I would wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains."  (v. 29)


* Paul may or may not have been aware that he would have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar. But he was told by the Lord that he would testify about Him to Caesar, and to Caesar he would choose to go. Regardless if that meant taking a much harder road, he had clearly resolved to obey what God had called him to do. May we who follow you today have the same resolve to obey you, O God! (v. 30-32)

We agree,

in the Name of Jesus

and according to Your Word.

Coexisting Without Compromising: Acts 25

 "[Paul's accusers] simply had some points of disagreement with
him about their own religion and about a dead man, Jesus, whom
Paul asserted to be alive." --Festus, Governor of Judea (Acts 25:19)

^{I am praying through the 28 chapters of the Book of Acts, one chapter per day, for my New Testament church. I post these prayer points on my blog as a resource for those who desire to not just read about the power and growth of The Church, but want to see it manifested today in their own New Testament church. Dare we believe it? Then let's pray it!}

Chapter 25
FATHER, according to Your Word and the principles
of Acts 25

* May the doctrine of The Church be clear: the points of disagreement concerning Christianity and other religions are not minor. Christ is not simply a dead prophet as some would argue, but the Resurrected Savior of humanity.  While we must seek to peacefully coexist and can disagree respectfully, may we not be blinded with an opposing theology that says these differences are minor and resolvable, as Festus believed to be true when ruling over Paul's trial. (v. 16-19) And give us, God, the resolve and readiness of the Apostle Paul to testify respectfully, but without compromise.

^* Just as the Lord stood beside Paul in his jail cell and told Paul he would testify about Him in Rome before Caesar, we will be led by Him to know where we are to go and to whom we are to testify! And just as Paul was persistent despite the obstacles in getting to Rome and before Caesar, may we be persistent to pursue and fulfill that call. Give us favor with all those who are in the position to open those doors for us.  "You have appealed to Caesar, to Caesar you shall go." (v. 10-12) 



* May our testimony be so compelling that others would say, "I also would like to hear this testimony." (v. 22)

We agree,

in the Name of Jesus

and according to Your Word.

Paul The Pest: Acts 24

"We have found this man a real pest." Acts 24:5

I am praying through the 28 chapters of the Book of Acts, one chapter per day, for my New Testament church. I post these prayer points on my blog as a resource for those who desire to not just read about the power and growth of The Church, but want to see it manifested today in their own New Testament church. Dare we believe it? Then let's pray it!

Day 24/ Chapter 24
FATHER, according to Your Word and the principles of Acts 24...

* Let it be known that the only ruler of nations through which we attain peace is Jesus; the only providence by which reform will be carried out for this nation is the providence of God. (v. 1-3)


* The Apostle Paul was referred to as a 'pest' and ringleader of dissension for proclaiming Christ. Let us remember that the very name of Jesus will invite dissension, irritation and criticism by some. Forgive us for using "peace at all cost" as an excuse to be passive about our faith. (v. 5)


* Like Paul, when asked to speak, let us cheerfully make our defense when we are falsely accused, calmly presenting the facts that can be verified by witnesses. (v. 10-15)


* Let us always do our best to maintain a blameless conscience before God and before men so that when we give our defense, our character and reputation will serve as our best defense. (v. 16)

We agree,

in the Name of Jesus

and according to Your Word.

Whitewashed Walls: Acts 23

You whitewashed walls! [Hypocrites!] You judge me
with your laws, yet in doing so violate your own laws?
Acts 23:1

I am praying through the 28 chapters of the Book of Acts, one chapter per day, for my New Testament church. I post these prayer points on my blog as a resource for those who desire to not just read about the power and growth of The Church, but want to see it manifested today in their own New Testament church. Dare we believe it? Then let's pray it!

Chapter 23
FATHER, according to Your Word and the principles of Acts 23...

* Let us live our lives in such a way that we can face any accuser saying, "I have lived my life with a perfectly good conscience." May the reputation of our lifestyle and actions support that statement. (v. 1)

* Reveal what is beneath every whitewashed wall in the Church. Forbid us that we should judge others with a standard to which we do not hold ourselves. Give our leaders the conviction that Paul had to call out the whitewashed walls in our midst. (v. 2-3)

* When factions arise within the church, from their ranks appoint and raise up a voice of reason and wisdom to speak among them. (v. 9)

* Tune our ears to Your call, Lord, that we would take courage and be a witness to Your cause where you have ordained us to do so, regardless the opposition or judgment that greets us there.  (v. 11)

* Every organized plot by dissenders coming against our Pastor will be revealed and thwarted, in Jesus' Name. (v. 12-22)

* Let those you appoint to protect and defend our Pastor always be on guard and prepared to surround him and close ranks if needed. (v. 23-35)

We agree,

in the Name of Jesus

and according to Your Word.

Testify! Acts 22

I am praying through the 28 chapters of the Book of Acts, one chapter per day, for my New Testament church. I post these prayer points on my blog as a resource for those who desire to not just read about the power and growth of The Church, but want to see it manifested today in their own New Testament church. Dare we believe it? Then let's pray it!

Day 22/ Chapter 22
FATHER, according to Your Word and the principles of Acts 22...

* We rejoice Lord that, regardless of the contempt we may have shown your name in our past, you intersected the path we were on and revealed yourself to us!  Like, Paul, may we be willing to tirelessly TESTIFY of Jesus, regardless the personal cost.   (v. 1-14)

* Forgive us that we do not TESTIFY to what we have seen and heard in our community to the degree we should. Let us follow the example of the Early Church believers who were willing to do so despite criticism, ridicule, persecution, torture or martyrdom. (v. 15-24)

* When our Pastor attempts to TESTIFY to any 'untraditional' direction that the Holy Spirit has spoken to him and led him to take us, may every religious spirit in this House be exposed. (v.21-23)

* The Apostle Paul knew his civil rights and voiced them to authorities. In an increasingly godless culture where government attempts to legislate our civil rights as Christians, may we know our rights, voice them, and exercise them! Give special boldness all students on public school campuses around this community to TESTIFY!  Help the church equip students to know they can not legally be prevented to appropriately use the classroom, their writing, or public assembly as an opportunity to share their faith. Let their message not be hindered because of ignorance of their rights by them or those in authority over them. If this happens, we ask that they will be released by those who attempt to come against them and violate their rights. (v. 25-30)

We agree,

in the Name of Jesus

and according to Your Word.

What If Families Prayed Together? Acts 21

I am praying through the 28 chapters of the Book of Acts, one chapter per day, for my New Testament church. I post these prayer points on my blog as a resource for those who desire to not just read about the power and growth of The Church, but want to see it manifested today in their own New Testament church. Dare we believe it? Then let's pray it!

Day 21/ Chapter 21
FATHER, according to Your Word and the principles of Acts 21...

* Oh, God! Let the 21st century church return to the prayer lifestyle of the Early Church, where men, women and children were on bended knee praying corporately together as families, with and for one another. (v. 5)

* May the families of ministry leaders in the church be godly and serving Christ. (v. 9)

*  Like Paul, may our pastor, church leaders and each of us be willing to follow Christ at any cost, and may we not be persuaded off course by any well-intending friends, family or other believers in the Body who speak contrary to the Spirit's leading. May the will of the Lord be done! (v. 10-14)

* Network us with other believers as we go about doing the work of the Kingdom. (v. 15-16)

* Let the details of the work of the ministry on the mission field and through our local church be reported efficiently and effectively for the encouragement of the Body and as a testimony of the power of the Spirit bearing fruit through our labor . (v. 17-19) 

* When opposition and accusation arise, may our leaders continue to act in a way that is above reproach, trusting the outcome to God. Like you did for the Apostle Paul in Jerusalem, grant them favor, and turn that opposition and accusation as a platform to speak! (v. 20-40)

We agree,

in the Name of Jesus

and according to Your Word.

What To Give Your Pastor: Acts 20

Not sure what to give your Pastor this Christmas? Acts 20 testifies of the Apostle Paul's great love, perseverance, sacrifice and service to the church. For Christmas this year, why not give the gift of intercession to your Pastor and pray the principles of the Word for him found in Acts 20.

Day 20/ Chapter 20

FATHER, for My Pastor and according to Your Word
and the principles of Acts 20...

* May our Pastor continue to not shrink back from declaring the whole purpose of God and all that is profitable for the building up of this Body.  (v. 20; v. 27)

* Keep our Pastor on the path you have carved out for him, bound in spirit! Give him continued faith, courage and resolve to continue on his way, regardless of all that is unknown to him or the bonds and afflictions that may await him there. (v. 22-23)

* May our Pastor be on guard for himself and for all the flock against wolves who will not spare the flock. (v. 29)

* Give our Pastor discernment and alertness to any overseer among him who would speak things to draw disciples away. (v. 30)

* As our Pastor has worked tirelessly to give of himself to others, may we learn from his example that 'it is better to give than to receive'.  May we never take from him more than we give to him! (v. 35)

* Thank you for this season that you have ordained for our Pastor to lead this church. Remind us that he is only with us for a season, and forbid that we should take him for granted! May we also never take for granted the love, teaching, leadership and tears he has poured into and over this Body. (v. 36-38)

(And because our Pastor has  a sense of humor...)

* As longwinded as our Pastor can get because of his zeal for Christ, we rejoice that we have never been put to sleep or killed by one of his sermons. ;) (v. 9)

We bless our Pastor with protection, perseverance
anointing, favor, encouragment
and an increased boundary of the tent
of his ministry in 2011 and beyond! 
We agree, in the Name of Jesus
and according to Your Word.

Counter the Culture: Acts 19

Like Paul in Ephesus, let our message be so
revolutionary in our city that we counter
the culture and the foundations
of the culture will be rocked!

I am praying through the 28 chapters of the Book of Acts, one chapter per day, for my New Testament church. I post these prayer points on my blog as a resource for those who desire to not just read about the power and growth of The Church, but want to see it manifested today in their own New Testament church. Dare we believe it? Then let's pray it!

Chapter 19

FATHER, according to Your Word and the principles of Acts 19...

* May the teachings of Christ in the Church today always accompany the teaching of all members of the Trinity, specifically the power and function of the Holy Spirit.  (v. 1-7)

* Let us invest significant time equipping and teaching disciples, so that strong discipleship relationships flourish. (v. 9-10)

* Do extraordinary miracles through us, but like Paul, may we only boast in our weakness. (v. 11-12)

* May the name of the Lord Jesus be held with high honor in this city. (v. 17)

* Let those involved in witchcraft and the occult believe and openly confess their new faith and renounce their occultic practices. Let the word of the Lord spread widely and grow in power as a result! (v. 18-20)

* May we not be content with a lukewarm message that is merely relevant to our culture. Like Paul in Ephesus, let our message be so revolutionary in our city that we counter the culture and the foundations of the culture will be rocked! (v. 23-40)

We agree,

in the Name of Jesus

and according to Your Word.

No Apologies/Just Apologetics: Acts 18



Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus.
He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.
He vigorously refuted his opponents in public debate, proving from
the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah. Acts 18:24-28

I am praying through the 28 chapters of the Book of Acts, one chapter per day, for my New Testament church. I post these prayer points on my blog as a resource for those who desire to not just read about the power and growth of The Church, but want to see it manifested today in their own New Testament church. Dare we believe it? Then let's pray it!

Chapter 18
FATHER, according to Your Word and the principles of Acts 18...

* Anoint, bless and protect those called to exclusively preach the Gospel and surround them with faithful men and women, as you did for Paul with Aquila and Priscilla. Supply all the needs of tentmakers so that there service will not be hindered. (v. 1-5).

* Let us not waste time preaching to scoffers, but go to those who will listen and hear. (v.5-6)

* May we never be afraid, may we keep on speaking, may we not be silent! Jesus is the Messiah! And may we join with many other believers in this city to make His name known. (v. 9-10)

* Let the affairs of the church be governed by the church and not the government systems of this world. (v.12-17)

 

* As you did with Apollos in the Early Church, raise up modern day apologists among us. Platform them to speak boldly in public forum, proving from the prophecies in the Scriptures to Jew and Gentile alike that Jesus was the Messiah. (v. 23-28)

 

 

We agree,

in the Name of Jesus

and according to Your Word.

Bein' A Berean: Acts 17

"The Berean Jews ... examined the Scriptures every day
to see if what Paul said was true."  Acts 17:11

I am praying through the 28 chapters of the Book of Acts, one chapter per day, for my New Testament church. I post these prayer points on my blog as a resource for those who desire to not just read about the power and growth of The Church, but want to see it manifested today in their own New Testament church. Dare we believe it? Then let's pray it!

Chapter 17

FATHER, according to Your Word and the principles of Acts 17...

* Equip us to always use scripture as our foundation to provide reason for proclaiming Jesus is the Messiah. (v. 2-3)

* Let the message and ministry of today's church raise questions and provoke thinking all over the world today! (v.6-8)

* Like the Berean Jews, may we always receive the word with eagerness, yet still examine the scriptures to verify that all being taught to us is true.  (v. 11-12)

* Pierce the hearts and minds of those who merely investigage and discuss the resurrection and claims of Jesus as an intellectual pursuit. (v. 18-21)

* May those who worship an unknown God know the One they worship is a personal and knowable Savior; may our message, our testimony, and God's Spirit move them from religion to relationship. (v. 22-24)

* We rejoice and owe our life, breath and being to God our Creator. Let us remember we each of have a purpose and appointed time in history to fulfill that purpose. (v. 25-26)

* Let those who sneer at the message of the Gospel with contempt sneer! But we will pray they will repent and not continue in their arrogance and ignorance by ignoring the historical evidence of the resurrection. (v. 30-32)

We agree,

in the Name of Jesus

and according to Your Word.

Praise Him for Those Chains: Acts 16

I am praying through the 28 chapters of the Book of Acts, one chapter per day, for my New Testament church. I post these prayer points on my blog as a resource for those who desire to not just read about the power and growth of The Church, but want to see it manifested today in their own New Testament church. Dare we believe it? Then let's pray it!

Chapter 16

FATHER, according to Your Word and the principles of Acts 16...

* Give our leaders the wisdom that Paul had to identify, mentor and train the potential Timothys among them. (v. 1-4)

* Holy Spirit, may we be so intuned to your leading that we would not pursue any ministry opportunity where we sense you are preventing us to proceed, regardless how "productive" the opportunity may appear to be in the natural. (v. 6)

* Supernatually connect our vision to serve with those who have a need for us to serve them! Give us 'Macedonian Projects'! (v. 8-10)

*  May current day gatherings of intercessors be known and so common place in this church and in this city that those who are committed to pray expect to find intercessors praying there. (v. 13)  (v.16)

* As you did with Lydia in the days of  Paul, raise up women of worship, skill and influence whose hearts are open to God and to service. (v. 13-14)

* What was it about Paul and other leaders that they had to be persuaded and constrained by Lydia in order to let her serve them? In the case of  leaders who are reluctant and lack vision to connect a lay person's burden, passion and skill to serve the leadership of the church, give lay people the persistance of Lydia to say, "Let me serve!" (v. 14-15). Let no one be denied their service and reward for the work of the Kingdom!

* Remind us dark spirits must flee by the authority you have given us to say, "Go!" in the name of Jesus. We are reminded that deliverance is still a ministry of today's New Testament Church by the power of Jesus within us to speak freedom to all would believe that Jesus still delivers today. (v. 16-18)

* Like Paul and Silas, may we all sing the praises of God when we are bound and imprisoned mentally, emotionally or physically! We know by your Word and their testimony that you inhabit our praises, prison doors can instantly burst open and our chains will fall, in the Name of Jesus! (v. 25-26)

* May evidence of the power of God be so manifested in our lives that those who witness it are compelled to ask the question,  "What must I do to be saved?"  And may each of us personally be equipped and prepared to answer the question, for their salvation and the salvation of their household too. (v. 29-34)

We agree,

in the Name of Jesus

and according to Your Word.

And That's No Yoke, Folks: Acts 15

I am praying through the 28 chapters of the Book of Acts, one chapter per day, for my New Testament church. I post these prayer points on my blog as a resource for those who desire to not just read about the power and growth of The Church, but want to see it manifested today in their own New Testament church. Dare we believe it? Then let's pray it!

Chapter 15

FATHER, according to Your Word and the principles of Acts 15...

* May we dispute any doctrine that attempts to place a yoke of religion or law on us. And may all believers be glad! (v. 1-4)

* We rejoice, God, that You do not discriminate against anyone! You know all hearts, and all hearts can be purified by faith. And salvation by grace is available to all. (v. 7-9)

* Forbid that we should make it difficult for anyone to turn to God because of tradition or a religous spirit! (v. 19)

* May our leaders guard themselves from any dispute that would divide or diminish ministry teams that you ordain. If a consensus can not be reached, let the regrouping of ministry teams be done peacefully, in unity, that those being ministered to will not stumble. (v. 36-41)

We agree,

in the Name of Jesus

and according to Your Word.

Faith To Be Healed: Acts 14





Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed
and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up
and began to walk. Acts 14:10-11

Chapter 14

FATHER, according to Your Word and the principles of Acts 14...

* As we speak boldly for you, Lord, confirm our message by your grace by enabling signs and wonders to be performed in your name. Let those in this congregation or this city who are divided or refuse to believe cease stirring up others and poisoning their minds against the messagers of the gospel. Uncover any plan or plot against the preachers of the Gospel in this city. (v. 1-7)

* Bring us to those who have faith to be healed! We will speak healing to them, in Jesus' name. (v. 8-10)

* May the exhortation continue to come from our pulpit for each of us to turn from habits, practices and customs that are worthless to the living God. (v. 15)

* Let the Body gather around any wounded leaders, and may they get up and continue the work of their ministry. (v. 19-20)

* Show us how to strengthen and encourage believers to remain true to the faith, knowing that we must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God. (v.21-22)

* As was the custom of Paul and Barnabas when they set about to establish churches, may prayer with fasting accompany the decision making of our leaders. (v. 23)

We agree,

in the Name of Jesus

and according to Your Word.

Beacon of Light: Acts 13

“I have made you a light... that you may bring salvation to

the ends of the earth."    Acts 13:47


I am praying through the 28 chapters of the Book of Acts, one chapter per day, for my New Testament church. I post these prayer points on my blog as a resource for those who desire to not just read about the power and growth of The Church, but want to see it manifested today in their own New Testament church. Dare we believe it? Then let's pray it!

Chapter 13
FATHER, according to Your Word and the principles of Acts 13...

*  May worship and prayer with fasting be standard disciplines for the leaders, prophets and teachers of our New Testament church today, just as it was in the Early Church. And may they continue to fast and pray until they hear clear direction from God. (v. 1-3) 

* Let the call of those you desire to send onto the mission field be confirmed and commissioned by leadership, sent out under the authority and blessing of the church. (v. 1-3)

* Give us favor with, access to, invitation from government officials in our city, just as you did for Barnabas and Saul. May they witness the power of God, be amazed at the teaching of the Lord, and believe. (v. 6-12)

* Send us prophets and teachers, and may they be invited to give a word of exhortation to us. (v. 15)

* We will continue to tell the story of redemption to all who walk through our doors, hearing clearly that through Jesus they will receive the forgiveness of sins. Let scoffers be warned, so they will believe and not perish. (v. 32-41)

* May the exhortation, teaching and preaching of the Word from our pastor's pulpit stir up our congregation and community in such a powerful way that the whole city will gather to hear the word of the Lord. (v. 42-44)

* Let our New Testament church be a light in our region, that many would believe! And to those who refuse the Word, may we shake the dust off our sandals and speak instead to those whose hearts are opened. The word of God will be honored and spread throughout our region, and we will be filled with joy and the Holy Spirit, as were the disciples of the Early Church.  (v. 47-52)

We agree,

in the Name of Jesus

and according to Your Word.

Poor Rhoda: Acts 12

 And the chains fell off Peter's wrists. Acts 12:7





Chapter 12

FATHER, according to Your Word and the principles of Acts 12...

*  What is it about Jesus that ordinary people would risk persecution, imprisonment or death to proclaim and teach in His Name? Would we have the same courage to do the same today if the threat to us personally were so great? Cause us to examine our commitment to Christ and the advancement of the Kingdom in light of this question and may we never forget the courage of the  martyrs of the Church, past and present day. (v. 1-2)

* How great the magnitude of the power of God working through Peter must have been for King Herod to have him guarded by 16 men!  May that same power that is available in our lives and ministries today pose the same threat to the powers of darkness that oppose the teachings of Christ. (v. 3-4)

* Lord, we have not been earnest in praying for our church leaders. Remind us that there are opposing forces in the spiritual realm that want to steal, kill and destroy them and that we should not wait for there to be a threat against them in the natural to be earnest in our intercession for them. (v.5)

* Give us faith to trust you and expect you to supernaturally break chains, remove shackles and open any gate to free and release us to do the work you have caused us to do, regardless the opposition against us.(v. 6-10)

* Help us to pray prayers of faith and expect you to answer them instead of responding to the answer to our prayers with unbelief. May the Rhodas in this House continue to walk and speak in faith to the Body regardless how others may say, "You are out of your mind!" (v. 11-17)

* When captives are set free, let there be no small commotion as these miraculous testimonies circulate in this city!  (v.18) 

* May any godless leader of our city know they will answer to God. Give us access to these leaders before it is too late. (v. 21-23) 

* Let the Word of God in our city continue to spread and flourish. (v. 24)

We agree,

in the Name of Jesus

and according to Your Word.

I am praying through the 28 chapters of the Book of Acts, one chapter per day, for my New Testament church. I post these prayer points on my blog as a resource for those who desire to not just read about the power and growth of The Church, but want to see it manifested today in their own New Testament church. Dare we believe it? Then let's pray it!