Seek God in Fast & Prayer (Oct 22)
Just as Jerusalem has been the
center for Jewish evangelism,
so Syrian Antioch now becomes
the center for Gentile evangelism.
Peter who has played the leadership
role in the first 12 chapters, now
gives up the spotlight to Paul,
whose travels and trials dominate
the last 16 chapters of the book.
Acts 13 marks the beginning
of Paul’s missionary career.
Returning to Antioch at the end
of their first missionary journey,
Paul and his travelling companion
Barnabas report to their home
church and seek to resolve
the issue of including Gentiles in
the previously all-Jewish church.
Lord, we seek Your Will in Prayer:
As they ministered to the Lord
and fasted, the Holy Spirit said:
Now separate to Me Barnabas
and Saul for the work to which
I Have Called them. Then having
Fasted and Prayed and laid hands,
they sent them away (Acts 13:2-3)
They came to Antioch and went
into the synagogue on Sabbath…
On the next Sabbath almost the
Whole City came together to
hear the word of God (v14, 44).
(The Lord said): I have made you
a Light to the Gentiles, to bring
Salvation to the farthest corners
of the earth. When the Gentiles
heard this, they were very glad and
thanked the Lord for his message…
and became believers (v47-48).
Lord, I know my Calling & purpose
is revealed in prayer. I know it is
defined within a church body of
believers, for it’s almost impossible
to develop to our full potential
independently of other believers.
Grant us unity for it adds power
to our prayers and confidence
that God will answer in power.
And enable me to be set apart
for the work You’ve for me. Amen.
Lord, I ask You to bless all those
in full-time Christian ministry.
Bless all my pastors and family
in every way; and that they be
led by the Spirit to know not just
the general will of God but also
the specific will for every situation.
Bless all missionaries and staff
members that they be effective
in their respective ministries. And
Bless each church member so that
out of gratitude they worship You
& Introduce Gospel to others. Amen.
Lord, there are many people all
around us whom You are pursuing.
Show us those in our circle of
friends, loved ones as well as
neighbourhood that You want us
to pray for and build relationships.
For they may be the very people
You have appointed to eternal life.
Equip us Lord to be lights to those
who don’t know You and to love
them for Christ Jesus’ sake. Amen.