Day 2
Today's Scripture:
Acts 1:1-14
Key Verse:
Acts 1:3
"To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:"
The Point:
Why 40 days?
Why 40 days, wouldn't 14 be enough? Great question, and to be honest 14 days could be enough, and 40 days may be too few! The duration of the time of prayer, preparation, study, reflection, repentance is not as important as the change we seek. In fact, and in practice, the season to seek revival may be continuous, but we need to start somewhere - right!
We selected 40 days because in the Bible there are numerous examples of this period being significant with regard to judgement (the Flood - Genesis 7:17), trial (Jesus in the wilderness - Matthew 4:2), preparation to meet God (Moses on Mount Sinai - Exodus 24:18), and preparing for service (Jesus' appearances to the disciples after the resurrection and prior to the Ascension - Acts 1:3).
As we described in the Day 1 assignment, the purpose of this Prayer Challenge is to help each of us prepare for and experience revival!
Put yourself in the place of the apostles in the days immediately following his resurrection, how many times would you need to see the risen Lord to be persuaded of the reality of his resurrection and ready to follow His leadership and example?
Acts 1:1-12 provides Luke’s account of the important 40-day period from the day of Jesus' resurrection until His ascension. For some of the apostles this was a time of testing (John 21:15-17), doubt (Matthew 28:17), and questions (Acts 1:6). Is 40 days enough time for us to sort out what is in our heart, mind, and spirit and renew our commitment to God?
Study Today's Scripture for a few minutes and answer these questions:
- Why did Jesus "shew himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs?" The apostles were already saved and baptized, why did they need infallible proofs of Jesus' resurrection?
- What did Jesus command the apostles to do in the short term (next 10 days until Pentecost)?
- What did Jesus command the apostles to do after they "received power?"
- According to verse 6, what was in the heart and minds of the apostles?
- What did the apostles witness according to verses 9-11?
- What was the immediate response of the apostles, verses 13-14?
Prayer Time
Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:
Probing Questions:
- Do you consider the Bible, the living Word of God, to be infallible proof of God’s will and plan for your life? Do you study the Word with the purpose in mind to let God change your heart, mind, and spirit?
- Have there been times when God moved you to pray, witness, study, fellowship, or obey some other command and you resisted? Are you resisting now?
- Are you genuinely open to the leadership of the Holy Spirit based on what God has instructed you to do in scripture?
Praise:
- Praise God for His Word! Psalm 56:10
- Praise God for the impact His Word has on your heart! Psalm 119:11
- Praise God for the impact His Word has on your mind! Romans 12:1-2
- Thank God for his enduring truth! Psalm 100:6
Intercessory Prayers:
- You know someone who has questions about the faith; perhaps the reality of the resurrection. Ask God to open their heart and mind to the truth and to prepare you to share how you became persuaded of the reality of the resurrection.
- You know someone who is struggling with God's call on their life; perhaps it is about baptism, church membership, or service in some capacity; ask God to prepare you to help them find the inspiration and instruction they need from scripture. If you need help, ask God to lead someone to guide you as seek to help the person you know.
Petitions:
- Ask God to help you prepare for revival by renewing your vision for how you can serve Him.
- Ask God to refresh your confidence in His Word and prepare you to share it with others.
- Ask God to connect you with others taking this Prayer Challenge so you can encourage one another and complete the 40 day challenge.
Acts 1:11 ""...this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as you have seen him go into heaven."
Jesus is coming back! Let’s serve Him!