PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER

ACTS. 4:23-31

From time to time, life throws up challenges which we cannot handle on our own. It does not matter whether they come in the line of duty or right at the centre of God`s will as we are busy serving Him. But the good news is that we have a special privilege of seeking His help in prayer to be able to overcome whatever problems we face. The disciples of Christ were busy obeying the great commission when they met stiff opposition from the chief priests and elders in Jerusalem who ordered them not to preach in the Name of Jesus. "But Peter and John answered and said unto them, whether it be right in the sight of God to harken unto you more than unto God, judge ye" (Acts 4:19).

The apostles refusal to chicken-out and abandon the great commision infuriated the jewish council - the Sanhedrin - who raised persecution against them. Our commitment to preaching the gospel may sometimes bring opposition and persecution from memebers of our family, colleagues and managers in our workplace or other people in our neighbourhood. But like Peter and other apostles, we should stand up to the challenge.

The disciples of Christ exploited the privilege of prayer when they were faced with opposition against the gospel. Likewise, we also have the privilege to pray to our father in heaven when we are opposed, persecuted, misrepresented or attacked during evangelism. During His earthly ministry, Christ endured persecution and torture through constant communion with the Father. We can do the same today.

The disciple in our text asked the Lord for courage, boldness and the fortitude to withstand the challenge as well as divine confirmation through signs and wonders. The Lord answered the disciples prayer, "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and spake the word of God with boldness"(Acts. 4:31).

However, for God to answer our prayers, we must be free from sin. Besides, we need to exercise faith in Christ and pray according to His will and promises. No problem is too great or too small to take to the Lord in prayers. For every child of God, prayer in the name of Jesus Christ is a great privilege.

WHAT IS PRAYER?

WHAT IS THE CONDITION OF PRAYER TO BE ANSWERED ACCORDING TO MATTHEW. 7:7 - ISAIAH 44:3 - ROMANS 12:12 - COLOSSIANS 4:2 - 1 PETER 4:7 - PHILIPIANS 4:6 - LUKE 11:5-8