Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away. When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. They all were continually united in prayer, along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

// Acts 1:12-14 CSB

After 33 years of life on this earth – a life of humanity, engaging, loving, teaching, building God’s Kingdom – Jesus has ascended into heaven. His role amongst God’s people was completed and the implementation of the Church was placed in the hands of the men and women who journeyed with Him during His ministry years.

This moment is awe-inspiring.

They see Jesus literally – yes, literally – ascend into heaven. And then, it is time for His disciples to get down to business.

What did “get down to business” mean for this band of believers?

Prayer.

Rather than planning the calendar, writing sermons, brainstorming fund raising ideas… prayer came first.

In the Passion Translation, it states, “Arriving there (Jerusalem), they went into a large second-floor room to pray… All of them were united in prayer, gripped with one passion, interceding night and day.”

Does prayer come first in your life?

Consider //
Over the next 48 hours, be intentional about praying before you do anything. Before you step out of bed, thank God for rest, for waking up and for a new day. While you drink your morning coffee, meditate on the senses and praise God for coffee (Sounds silly, but you probably do it already without realizing it). As you drive to work, pray for those in the cars around you, pray for your coming day, and pray for opportunities to connect with the Lord. Continue this practice and see how prayer changes your perspective and your connection with God.

“We are to pray in times of adversity, lest we become faithless and unbelieving. We are to pray in times of prosperity, lest we become boastful and proud. We are to pray in times of danger, lest we become fearful and doubting. We are to pray in times of security, lest we become self-sufficient.”

– Billy Graham

“The reality is, my prayers don’t change God. But, I am convinced prayer changes me. Praying boldly boots me out of that stale place of religious habit into authentic connection with God Himself.”

– Lysa TerKeurst