June 3

One Accord

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 126:1-3 | 2 Samuel 20:14-22:20 | Acts 1:1-26 | Proverbs 16:18

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Acts 1

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8 ESV).   

All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers (Acts 1:14 ESV).

Armin Gesswein often said, “When Jesus built a church, he first built a prayer meeting.” Acts chapter 1 is the record of that truth. The New Testament church was birthed out of a prayer meeting where “with one accord,” they were “devoting themselves to prayer.”

The result of that prayer meeting was a Spirit-filled church, described in Acts 2 and the chapters that follow.  It was a dynamic church that was on fire with the good news. Jesus’ words were fulfilled: “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

There are too many churches that are just going through the motions; too many churches with no fire or passion; too many churches that are half-hearted about outreach. What’s the solution? Jesus started a prayer meeting. Maybe he was on to something.

In a world that is divided and spinning out of control, we must lay aside our differences and unite in one accord. The strongholds must be demolished. The walls of hostility must be broken down. And we must intercede, united in fellowship with each other by the fellowship we have with God, we should seek love, and justice, and mercy. This is a time to pray!

Start a prayer meeting, devote yourselves to prayer with others in “one accord” and wait expectantly for the Spirit of God to be poured out. Then go, empowered by the Spirit and be his witnesses. Be a minister of reconciliation and build bridges of love and peace as we proclaim the good news.

Spirit of the Living God, fill us, empower us, use us as your witnesses. Forgive us for trying to serve you in our own strength and power. Open doors before us and embolden us to share the good news. Amen.