Prayerful Waiting
If you need prayer, we would like to pray with you.
“They all met together continually for prayer.” Mark uses the same Greek word here translated “continually” to describe a boat floating in the water, waiting on Jesus. The Master, speaking on the beach of Galilee, told the disciples to have a boat ready and waiting (Mark 3:9). The boat was “continually” in the presence of Christ. So are the Upper Room disciples. One day passes. Then two. Then a week. For all they know a hundred more will come and go. But they aren’t leaving. They persist in the presence of Christ.
The followers were willing to do one thing: wait in the right place for power.
We’re so reluctant to do what they did. Who has time to wait? We groan at such a thought. But waiting doesn’t mean inactivity—rather inHIMactivity. Waiting means watching for him. If you are waiting on a bus, you are watching for the bus. If you are waiting on God, you are watching for God, searching for God, hoping in God. Great promises come to those who do. “But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isa. 40:31).
To those who still struggle, God says, “Wait on me.” And wait in the right place. Jesus doesn’t tell us to stay in Jerusalem, but he does tell us to stay honest, stay faithful, stay true.
Desire power for your life?
It will come as you pray. For ten days the disciples prayed. Ten days of prayer plus a few minutes of preaching led to three thousand saved souls. Perhaps we invert the numbers. We’re prone to pray for a few minutes and preach for ten days. Not the apostles. Like the boat waiting for Christ, they lingered in his presence. They never left the place of prayer.
Question: Do you pray only for the “big things”? Do you think God cares about the “small things” too?
good article andd good comments coming from this article thank you
yes, I do pray until something happens thanking is always a part of my faith. Bwlieving that my prayers are answered rather I agree with the out come or not is also a part of my faith. I don’t always wait for an answer because I know that my Heavenly Father can not move in my favor unless I move in faith. Eventhough, his answer is always a blessing and in my best interest.
This devotional and the responses are an inspiration to me also. Sometimes I go about my days work with an awareness that God is with me in every move I make. Only then will I become aware of wrong thoughts or actions, as a warning to get back onto the right path. I believe that after praying for something for a long long time, we need to have faith that the answer is on its way, and start thanking Him for what we still do not see.
In answer to the above question, I’d say, God cares about all the things that matter to us, big as well as small. I’m praying that the Spirit will lead me to pray more like talking to a friend that is always here by my side.
My Grandmother always told us, “you got to pray until something happens.” It isn’t always easy to pray without ceasing, however, I find it more effective for me. By the way these and other sayings is what keep her alive and with me.
Thank you so much for this, Max! I have found myself in a place of waiting for some time now, and your words, “But waiting doesn’t mean inactivity—rather inHIMactivity,” really inspired me. Today, waiting has taken on a whole new meaning for me, and one that is not at all painful, but filled instead with expectation and hope in Christ.
May God continue to richly bless you and your family in every area of life!