After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken.
What to do when trouble comes?
Students of Jesus pray!
That’s exactly what happens when Peter and John are released from custody. They tell the other believers about how they were warned to stop talking about Jesus. And their first response is to pray together!
What a surprising prayer meeting. No doubt about heaven’s answer either when God immediately shakes the place!
The earth tremor isn’t the only thing – or even the main thing – that makes this an unusual event. The prayer itself is surprising.
These students of Jesus aren’t praying for the usual things. Lord, take care of us. Keep us safe and well.
No, they make a most unusual request - Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness…
It is very surprising they aren’t asking for protection? Not begging for the threat to be removed? There focus is on something else altogether!
They are concerned about having the personal courage to stand up for Jesus in the face of opposition. They are asking God to help them keep talking about Jesus - following Jesus - no matter what happens.
Hmm…Maybe surprising prayers begin with hearts set on asking for help to do what God already wants done in our lives. We too may be surprised how quickly God moves to help us when we pray to become more like Jesus.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
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