Journey of Prayer - Day 22
Journey of Prayer - Day 22
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
About the ninth hour of the day he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God, who had just come in and said to him, “Cornelius!” And fixing his gaze on him and being much alarmed, he said, “What is it Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God. Now dispatch some men to Joppa and send for a man named Simon, who is also called Peter; he is staying with a tanner named Simon, whose house is by the sea.” Acts 10:3-6
For the full story, please read: Acts 10
The story of Peter and Cornelius highlights the power of prayer. Cornelius had been praying to God for wisdom and direction for a while and God answered his prayers in the most miraculous way. We don’t know exactly how long Cornelius had been praying, but we do know that he had been praying fervently and God heard him. What I love about this story is that Cornelius was listening to God while he was praying faithfully. He desperately wanted God’s direction; and because of his obedience he got it.
Peter was also in deep prayer. God led him to share the gospel with Cornelius, who he had never met and would never have met under normal circumstances. God orchestrated exactly how every detail of this story would unfold. Prayer, trust and obedience was central to it all.
I am encouraged by our devotion today to be intentional in prayer and action. We need to take a leap of faith when we have been praying fervently, listening for God’s direction and getting confirmation through his word. When he says, “Go!”, we must obey and walk in the way he tells us. “Rise up, take courage and do it.” Ezra 10:4
What about you? How are you encouraged by Cornelius and Peter’s dedication and devotion to prayer and obedience?
God of Direction,
We know your plans are bigger than we can even imagine and that you are working all things out for our good. Let us learn from those who have gone before us and prayed faithfully, following the prayer prompts you put before them. You have taught us that prayer leads to action and that action can make an impact on our lives and the lives of others. We are praying that we have full obedience to your calling. Let us rise up and take courage to go out into the world just as you direct!! Amen
For further reading: 1 Samuel 3:10; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 30:21
