Devoted to Prayer

Jesus Is Lord
Imitating Jesus
Spiritual Disciplines for a New Life

Acts 1:6-14

The Message 

6 When they were together for the last time they asked, “Master, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now? Is this the time?”

7-8 He told them, “You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business. What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world.”

9-11 These were his last words. As they watched, he was taken up and disappeared in a cloud. They stood there, staring into the empty sky. Suddenly two men appeared—in white robes! They said, “You Galileans!—why do you just stand here looking up at an empty sky? This very Jesus who was taken up from among you to heaven will come as certainly—and mysteriously—as he left.”
12-13 So they left the mountain called Olives and returned to Jerusalem. It was a little over half a mile. They went to the upper room they had been using as a meeting place:

Peter,
John,
James,
Andrew,
Philip,
Thomas,
Bartholomew,
Matthew,
James, son of Alphaeus,
Simon the Zealot,
Judas, son of James.

14 They agreed they were in this for good, completely together in prayer, the women included. Also Jesus’ mother, Mary, and his brothers.

For Reflection

 We don't know the whole of God's plan.  The promised kingdom will come in God's good time.  Until then, we are to be engaged in witnessing to the promise of a life in obedience to God's call for compassion, justice and peace.  Devotion to prayer is essential to that end.  The Holy Spirit will dwell within us and guide us and prayer is the path to God's will.

Pray

for those things which will enhance your obedience to God's will.  Pray in a way that will help you recognize your dependence upon God and are loved by God.  Pray prayers of thankfulness.  Pray prayers of intercession for the realization of the Kingdom of God.