Praying Through Change - Day 09
Day 09 - Thursday, October 26
Read Acts 12:1-19
Highlight
Have you ever prayed for something and God answered, yet you still did not believe it happened?
That is what we find here in Acts 12. The early church is being persecuted by King Herod. James, the brother of John, has already been killed (v.2). Now, Peter has been seized and kept in prison awaiting trial. Therefore, “the early church was earnestly praying to God for him” (v.5). And God answers that prayer - an angel appears to Peter and a jailbreak occurs. Once Peter comes to himself (v.11), he goes to those gathered and they do not believe he is there (v.15) until they see him for themselves.
The early church was devoted to prayer - yet at this moment, they seem to have lacked faith. Until they saw Peter for themselves and were astonished (v.16). Jesus says “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29) when speaking to Thomas about His resurrection. These words still apply. Our faith in God - whether to answer prayers or show up in mighty ways - must carry into the things we cannot see.
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 12:1-19
Highlight
Have you ever prayed for something and God answered, yet you still did not believe it happened?
That is what we find here in Acts 12. The early church is being persecuted by King Herod. James, the brother of John, has already been killed (v.2). Now, Peter has been seized and kept in prison awaiting trial. Therefore, “the early church was earnestly praying to God for him” (v.5). And God answers that prayer - an angel appears to Peter and a jailbreak occurs. Once Peter comes to himself (v.11), he goes to those gathered and they do not believe he is there (v.15) until they see him for themselves.
The early church was devoted to prayer - yet at this moment, they seem to have lacked faith. Until they saw Peter for themselves and were astonished (v.16). Jesus says “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29) when speaking to Thomas about His resurrection. These words still apply. Our faith in God - whether to answer prayers or show up in mighty ways - must carry into the things we cannot see.
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