WEEK 5 DAY 4

Empowered by Prayer

Devotional
Before Pentecost's power, there was persistent prayer. Acts 1:14 tells us the disciples were "devoting themselves to prayer" while waiting for the promised Holy Spirit. This wasn't casual praying, it was concentrated, consistent communion with God.

Too often, we attempt mission in our own strength, relying on strategy, talent, or resources rather than spiritual power. We plan and execute, but forget to pray. The early church teaches us that prayer isn't supplemental to mission, it's fundamental.

When we pray together, we acknowledge our dependence on God. We confess that without His power, our efforts are futile. Prayer isn't just about asking God to bless what we're doing; it's about aligning ourselves with what He's doing.

The disciples didn't just pray once and move on. They devoted themselves to prayer, making it a priority and practice. Their subsequent effectiveness didn't come from superior methods or resources but from supernatural empowerment that came through prayer.

Bible Verse
"Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away." - Acts 1:12

Reflection Question
How might your approach to serving God change if you truly believed that prayer was not just preparation for the work but the primary work itself?

Quote
Without prayer, we're operating in a way in which we think we've got this without God's power.

Prayer
Holy Spirit, forgive me for the times I've tried to serve in my own strength. Teach me to pray not just as a religious duty but as the essential source of power for mission. Help me to wait on You before rushing into action, and to continue in prayer even as I go. Let everything I do flow from a place of dependence on Your power. Amen.