“Prayer in Persecution”

 READ

Background & Context: Acts 4:1-31

Sermon Passage: Acts 4:32-35

 THINK

In a world of hostile opposition, Jesus continues to carry out His mission with wonder-working power, by the unity and fellowship of the Holy Spirit thru the radical selflessness of His people.

 APPLY

In a world of hostile opposition, we must submit to the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying work: taking on His radical attitude of selflessness, heart of generosity, and ministry within the Body.

• We must take on His radical attitude of selflessness:
  • When you think about our church family, do you see others as your family members or as friendly acquaintances?
  • What is one practical step you can take to get to know others in our congregation?
• We must take on His radical heart of generosity:
  • What doors has God opened to you where you can meet a need in the Body?
  • How are you stewarding the resources God has entrusted to you?
  • Does your giving align with God’s call in scripture?
• We must take on faithfulness to the radical ministry of His body:
  • How can you grow in love for others in our church family?
  • Who is someone God is laying on your heart within our church family to pray for and check in on this week?

 PRAY

• Pray and praise God for who He is: the Sovereign Master of all Creation and Time.
• Pray for God to take note of our present situation.
• Pray for God to fill each of us with the Holy Spirit that we would be bold in declaring the Gospel.
• Pray for doors to open before us to proclaim the hope of Jesus to our families, friends, neighbors, and more.
• Pray that we would resist the discouragement of the world’s opposition but would set our eyes firmly on Jesus.
• Pray that we would cheerfully and generously love and care for each other.
• Pray that we would walk in the unity and fellowship of the Holy Spirit – seeking to glorify Jesus and do what He says, how He says, wherever and whenever He leads.