In Acts 3:1, following the giving of the Holy Spirit, we read where Peter and John were on their way to the Temple to pray at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer.  This would be at 3:00 p.m. which is known as the Standing Prayer time. This is an appointed time to stop what we’re doing and stand and lift praises to the Holy One of Israel.  There are patterns for this in Scripture and we’ll list one here from 1 Chronicles 23:30; “They were also to stand every morning to give thanks and praise to YHVH, and likewise in the evening.” Some would say that this is for the Levites only; however, the Levites were to set the example of how one is to worship the Creator at all times.  This is what the morning and evening offerings and prayer times did; one prayer time would connect it to the next prayer time and so on and this was known as prayer without ceasing.  You will read many times where Kind David, from the tribe Judah, practiced the continual praise of His Creator and King and we would be wise and blessed to do likewise.  It is an appointed time.

Back to Acts 3:1-10.  As Peter and John were on their way to the Temple to pray a man lame from birth was begging for alms (money).  As they fixed their gaze on one another Peter said, “I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: in the name of Yeshua Messiah the Nazarene—walk!!!” The following verses tell that the healed man was in the Temple leaping and jumping and praising Yah.  This would be the first time that this man was ever able to do the Standing Prayer, standing.  This did not go over well with the ruling authorities, as many were coming to salvation through Yeshua as a result of Peter and John’s ministry.  Ultimately they were arrested.  Tomorrow we will go into this aspect more.  But today we will go on to say that the leaders could find no basis to punish them so they had to let them go.  This is where we will pick up in Acts 4.

Acts 4:23-31. says, “23 On their release, Peter and John returned to their own people and reported everything that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 When the believers heard this, they lifted up their voices to Elohim with one accord. [a pattern for liturgy bringing unity and Spirit] “Sovereign Master,” they said, “You made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them. [Making known YHVH’s mighty deeds back to Him] 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of Your servant, our father David: ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against YHVH and against His Anointed One.’ [Yeshua] 27 In fact, in this very city Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Yeshua, whom You anointed. 28 They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen. 29 And now, Adonai, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness, 30 as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Yeshua.” 31 After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of YHVH boldly.” This is an example of the power of unified prayer!!! It actually shook their meeting place!! He hasn’t changed.  This is the outcome of sincere and dedicated hearts, seeking in unity and prayer, the will of the Father. This can be our experience too!!

What was requested and received when they prayed in unity:

1. Complete Boldness
2. Healing
3. Signs and Wonders
4. Filled with the Holy Spirit

May we with one voice and one heart ask the Holy Spirit to fill us and enable us to speak His Word with boldness and may His signs and wonders follow those who believe!!

Have a blessed and shalom filled day!!

Tammy

Courtesy of
River of Life Tabernacle
Tammy McLendon
Great peace have they who love Your law. Psalm 119:165a