“When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, ‘Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit,
“‘Why did the Gentiles rage,
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers were gathered together,
against the Lord and against his Anointed’—
“‘for in this city there were gathered together against Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.’ And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:23-31
Immediately after dismissal from the contentious religious rulers, Peter and John gathered with their friends. This was no motley group of entertainment buddies or conglomerate whiners, but individuals unified in Spirit and hope who knew God and sought Him together. They were compelled to lift their voices to their Sovereign in a communal praise and prayer- orderly, unified, focused. Electrified by the Spirit and undeterred (inspired?) by opposition, they recalled and claimed God’s Word and sought His boldness to proclaim it. The answer from heaven was a resounding, shaking Yes and Amen. (Acts 4:33; 2 Corinthians 1:20)
What priority does prayer hold for us? Days of activity and productivity may quake and roll with adrenaline and check-lists, but unless they’re first gathered to the Lord with prayer they might miss His moving. There are times for secret individual prayer, and times to praise and intercede corporately. Both shake when exalting God’s name and sovereignty and are founded on His truth. (Matthew 6:5-13; 18:19-20; Acts 1:14; James 5:13-16)
What specific time do we allot for seeking the Lord to adore and beseech Him? How urgent are we about gathering with fellow believers for prayer when culture and circumstances threaten? Are we so aware and intent on how God is working in every situation that we’re eager to tell others, encourage them, and exalt God’s name together? Do we flag as spiritual loners, or avail ourselves of good God-fearing friends who are iron to us? (Psalm 34:3; Proverbs 27:17; Hebrews 10:24-25)
And what about the shaking? What attitudes need shaking off? What complacency needs shaking up? What stale provincialism needs shaking out? What love needs shaking awake?
How has God specifically answered specific prayers? What new insights, patience, forgiveness, power has He given as a result of our seeking Him? What fresh perspective, unity, understanding, and peace have come as a result of communal prayer? How is He shaking our resolve, commitment, passion, or joy through seasons of intentional, expectant prayer? How might He today?
Lord, draw me to constant communion with Thee, that my heart and life shake with Your love, power, and praise.
As the rain and snow 