Peter and John ran back to their group and told about the threats of those church leaders. Rather than cower like cornered rats, they began to pray to God
23. And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
24. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
Looking at their prayer:
They prayed with accord, or in agreement with each other. No division, just plain old unity. Together they acknowledged that there is one God and creator of all. I think that the High Priest would have agreed to this point.
25. Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
The heathen rage? Imagine vain things?
The church leaders were angry and vainly imagined that they could stop this ''Jesus" Movement. You know what? They still can't stop it!
26. The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
27. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
28. For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
Dear God, you know what these people did to you. These leaders, rulers and elders all gathered against YOU. We know that you allowed it to happen.
29. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
They did it to you and now look, they are starting in on us.
Note that last part... look at the key words....1.) GRANT 2.) BOLDNESS 3.)SPEAK
These folks were praying against that human element of fear and intimidation. No matter what oh Lord, give me the boldness to speak and be a witness.
Today we might be hesitant to speak the word and to witness, but if we pray for boldness and opportunity, God will make a way.
30. By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
Not only do they want the boldness to speak, they pray for miracles. They want to see more, not to be content with preaching.
What about you? Are you content to church status quo? 3 songs, 3 testimonies, 1 special, 45-minute sermon, go home, or do you want to see some spice in your walk with him? We can see healings and signs and wonders if we sell out to Christ, live for him and seek his face and do his will.
Expect God to be God, allow him to work the miracle and trust him with all thine heart.
