Praying Through Change - Day 07
Day 07 - Tuesday, October 24
Read Acts 4:23-31
Highlight
Two interesting theological points are presented in this prayer. First, the connection to Old Testament messianic prophecy from Psalm 2:9. Where “king of earth” - King Herod, and “the rulers” - Pontius Pilot, “band together against the Lord and against the anointed one (v. 26). It was written by King David many years before, but after Jesus’ death and resurrection we can see where the Holy Spirit spoke through him to proclaim the death of the Messiah.
Second, the church prays for boldness in the face of suffering. They relate to the suffering of Christ and Old Testament servants by the threats against them. It is their request to be empowered “to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus” (vs. 30). These believers have concern only for others to hear the truth about Jesus, and pray for boldness to be the ones to proclaim the truth to others.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Acts 4:23-31
Highlight
Two interesting theological points are presented in this prayer. First, the connection to Old Testament messianic prophecy from Psalm 2:9. Where “king of earth” - King Herod, and “the rulers” - Pontius Pilot, “band together against the Lord and against the anointed one (v. 26). It was written by King David many years before, but after Jesus’ death and resurrection we can see where the Holy Spirit spoke through him to proclaim the death of the Messiah.
Second, the church prays for boldness in the face of suffering. They relate to the suffering of Christ and Old Testament servants by the threats against them. It is their request to be empowered “to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus” (vs. 30). These believers have concern only for others to hear the truth about Jesus, and pray for boldness to be the ones to proclaim the truth to others.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Posted in Praying Through Change