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.