Today

‘Prayer before we act’

Acts 1:12-26

‘New beginnings for the people of God’

“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in

the city until you have been clothed with power from on high”

Luke 24:49

Jesus’ instructions

When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them.

While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into heaven.

Then they worshipped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed

continually at the temple, praising God

Luke 24:50-53

They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women

and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers

Acts 1:14

Waiting time isn’t wasted time

“Prayer is both the thermometer and the thermostat of the local church; for the

‘spiritual temperature’ either goes up or down, depending on how God’s people pray”

Warren Wiersbe

1. They prayed for the Spirit to come

with purpose

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea

and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth

Acts 1:8

1. They prayed for the Spirit to come

with a spirit of unity

‘they all joined together’

1. They prayed for the Spirit to come

with persistence

‘constantly in prayer’

1. They prayed for the Spirit to come

“Perseverance in prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance but rather laying hold of God’s willingness. Our sovereign God has

purposed to sometimes require persevering prayer as the means to accomplish His will”

Bill Thrasher - A Journey to Victorious Praying

O.T. prophecy

May another take his place of leadership

Psalm 109:8

2. They prayed for the selection of a successor

Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time

the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must

become a witness with us of his resurrection

Acts 1:21-22

2. They prayed for the selection of a successor

Apostle = ‘one sent on a mission’

• Present with Jesus during the 3 yrs

• Heard Jesus’ life-changing teachings

• Seen the risen Lord Jesus

2. They prayed for the selection of a successor

They prayed for guidance

Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have

chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs

Acts 1:24-25

2. They prayed for the selection of a successor

Go to the Lord - Proverbs 3:5-6

Discovering God’s will

Understand His principles - 2 Tim 3:16-17

Investigate your options

Discuss your options - Prov 12:15

Express your freedom - Gal 5:1

“You may seek guidance, but God desires to give you something better -

Himself”

John White

They cast lots

Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the

eleven apostles

Acts 1:26

2. They prayed for the selection of a successor