The theme for day 8 is healing the wounded from Acts 12. Ministry involves relationships between imperfect people and invariably this results in offenses but Jesus warned in
Matthew 18:7 Woe to the world because of causes for stumbling, for it is a necessity that causes for stumbling come; nevertheless, woe to the person through whom the cause for stumbling comes.
Every church could make a list of those who have left hurt or wounded by the words or actions of others. Some leave and search for another Church, yet many simply drop out altogether. What would the Church be like if we could somehow reclaim all of these people who are once part of the body of Christ? But it isn’t just members of congregations that are affected. Casualties among leaders are just as numerous as those within the congregations. But what if these people, these ministers of the gospel could be healed? Do we understand the power of confession and the greater power of forgiveness? What if we could get over our offense and instead, honestly and in love, confront one another to accomplish reconciliation as it says in
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous person accomplishes much.
Jesus said that we would have affliction in
John 16:33 I have said these things to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have affliction, but have courage! I have conquered the world.”
And we sometimes take this to mean that all of our opposition will come from unbelievers. But sometimes it comes from those closest to us and there certainly is an adversary, and our greatest battle is in
Ephesians 6:12 because our struggle is not against blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Pastors and spiritual leaders are not exempt, in fact, they are the point men and women in the spiritual realm and often face even greater opposition. Jesus said this in
Matthew 26:31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me during this night, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
and it is true that our enemy loves nothing more than to see an effective spiritual leader fall. Any failure in ministry is painful regardless of the reason whether it is pastor burn out, the breakup of a leader’s marriage, slander of a Church leader, lack of recognition, insufficient compensation, the list of offenses is endless and the results are the same. Feelings are hurt, a wound is inflicted, resentment and anger set in, and ultimately a root of bitterness and they don’t minister any longer.
Our spiritual leaders, named in
Ephesians 4:11–13 And he himself gave some as apostles and some as prophets and some as evangelists and some as pastors and teachers 12 for the equipping of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to a measure of the maturity of the fullness of Christ,
need to be protected and blessed in prayer. We are to pray for all people, beginning with those in authority as in
1 Timothy 2:1–3 Therefore, I urge first of all that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgiving be made on behalf of all people, 2 on behalf of kings and all those who are in authority, in order that we may live a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable before God our Savior,
In Acts 12 we read that Peter had been arrested and thrown in prison by Herod who intended to have him put to death. Then we read in
Acts 12:5 Thus Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer was fervently being made to God by the church for him.
It was not a single person or small group, but it was the whole church in Jerusalem praying for Peter. And their prayer was fervent. That night, God sent an Angel that set Peter free and walked him out of the prison. Peter went and told them all that God had answered their prayers and delivered him. How wonderful it would be if those that have been wounded or captured or even thos that have been rejected were healed and returned to fellowship. Every church needs to see broken relationships restored. Pray and name someone you know that has given up on the church and ask God to bring them back. Earnestly request their healing. Pray for a spirit of forgiveness to reach all.
So far, we have only talked about those that are casualties in our own congregations. There are though, many in other countries that are persecuted only because they are Christians. These believers are actually in prison for their faith. Learn about these countries. Learn about these people and pray for them. They also are a part of the body of Christ and part of our life in Christ is to set captives free. This work happens when we gather together and pray. We are to pray and act to return people to fellowship with the Lord and with us as fellow believers. Our job is to gracefully and prayerfully restore those that have fallen whatever the reason.
The Word Guiding Prayer for the Day
Acts 12:5 Thus Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer was fervently being made to God by the church for him.
Acts 12:7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood near him, and a light shone in the prison cell. And striking Peter’s side, he woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly!” And his chains fell off of his hands.
John 16:1–4 “I have said these things to you so that you will not fall away. 2 They will expel you from the synagogue, but an hour is coming that everyone who kills you will think they are offering service to God. 3 And they will do these things because they do not know the Father or me. 4 But I have said these things to you so that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told you about them. “And I have not said these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you.
The Needs
Earnestly
Earnestly request the return of those that have fallen away
Acts 12:5,7
James 5:19-20
Ask God to heal hurt feelings, confusion, bitterness, pride, discouragement, and every past wound.
Beseech him to send a spirit of forgiveness to permeate every part of the church
Ephesians 4:30-32
Rebuke
Rebuke the persecution of Christians in other countries in Jesus’ name. Name each country.
Colossians 2:1-2
Philipians 1:12
Enlist
Enlist God’s help to give the church in America a burden for Christians in Africa, Russia, China, and other countries that oppose Christianity.
Appeal
Appeal to the Father for protection of missionaries in Jesus’ name. Name each missionary and their place of service.
Amen
Pray for unity in the body of Christ.
John 17
Answers
Record answers and insights from praying Acts 12.
Acts 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Day 8 Reading
- Acts 12:1-25
References
- 1. Teykl, T. (Dr.). (1997), Acts 29: 50 Days to Invite the Holy Spirit. Prayer Point Pr. https://www.amazon.com/Acts-29-Days-Invite-Spirit/dp/1578920450/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ref_=nav_signin&&linkCode=ll1&tag=prayny-20&linkId=f53533b082e7ab3aa9a206bf08fd85db&language=en_US
