Daily Devotionals

Escaping Ordinary Week 1: Monday

They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. Acts 1:14

One of my very best friends lives in another state. We often do not see each other in person, but we always talk. We have been best friends for years because we talk so frequently. There is no substitute for constant communication. Without constant communication, it is virtually impossible to stay connected. Our relationship with Christ is no different. To grow thriving relationships with Him, we must constantly talk to Him. 

Acts 1 reminds us of the importance of praying consistently. This book of the Bible begins with what many call “the ascension of Jesus,” or His return to Heaven. Before He returned to Heaven, He gave several instructions to His disciples. After these things, Scripture teaches us that suddenly Jesus “was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see Him” (verse 9). Next, an angel appeared to them, saying, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday He will return from heaven in the same way you saw Him go!” (verse 11). Now Jesus’ followers were, once again, alone without Jesus. Can you imagine what was going through their minds? What were they going to do now? Verse 14 tells us precisely what they did; they met together and prayed constantly. It was part of their everyday experiences. Their intimacy with God and the frequency made their prayers extraordinary.

What about you? Do you pray constantly? Praying does not mean you have to be long-winded. We here at Sagebrush like to talk about constantly praying “short little sentence prayers” to God throughout your day. You do not have to be alone or pray out loud with your eyes closed. You can pray silently to God anytime, sharing with Him what’s on your mind. Friends, if you want to have an extraordinary prayer life, pray constantly. God is waiting to talk with you.

Moving toward action

Practice constantly praying today. Throughout the day, say short prayers to God about what is happening. Tell Him when you are excited. Tell Him if you need help. Tell Him how you feel about the different things you are facing. Talk to Him like you would talk to your best friend. The more you talk to Him, the stronger and deeper your relationship with Him will be.

Going Deeper

 Acts 1:12-26 (NLT)

 "Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile. 13 When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying.

Here are the names of those who were present: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the zealot), and Judas (son of James). 14 They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.

15 During this time, when about 120 believers were together in one place, Peter stood up and addressed them. 16 “Brothers,” he said, “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David. 17 Judas was one of us and shared in the ministry with us.”

18 (Judas had bought a field with the money he received for his treachery. Falling headfirst there, his body split open, spilling out all his intestines. 19 The news of his death spread to all the people of Jerusalem, and they gave the place the Aramaic name Akeldama, which means “Field of Blood.”)

20 Peter continued, “This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, ‘Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it.’ It also says, ‘Let someone else take his position.’

21 “So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus— 22 from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.”

23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen 25 as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven."