Seeking God's Will in Prayer
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | January 16 2025 | Acts 1:23-26
KEY VERSE: ²⁴ Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen ²⁴ to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Acts 1:24-25 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
When the apostles needed to replace Judas, they prayed to God. They carefully considered the candidates, identified two men, and then prayed, saying, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen” (v. 24). This moment demonstrates the importance of seeking God’s will in prayer, especially when faced with significant decisions.
Seeking God’s will begins with acknowledging His sovereignty and wisdom. The apostles recognised that God knows the hearts of all people, and they trusted Him to guide their choice. Similarly, we must approach God with humility, trusting that His plans are higher than ours and that He knows what is best for us. Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s purpose. As we seek Him, we surrender our desires and preferences, asking for His direction. The apostles didn’t rely solely on their own understanding but submitted their decision-making process to God. When we pray for His guidance, we invite His Spirit to lead us and bring clarity to our path.
God often reveals His will as we combine prayer with action. After praying, the apostles cast lots, a practice used at the time to discern God’s choice. While our methods may differ today, the principle remains the same: we pray, trust God, and take steps of faith as He leads us.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Seek God's will in prayer, by surrendering your desires and aligning your heart with His perfect plan. In prayer, we discover that God's guidance is always timely, His wisdom unfailing, and His purposes unshakable. Let’s trust God in prayer and invite Him to reveal His will for our lives.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God who knows my heart and desires the best for me. Teach me to seek Your will in prayer with humility and trust. Align my heart with Your purpose and guide me in every decision. Help me to walk in obedience and faith, knowing that You are always leading me. In Jesus’ name, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 16: Genesis 22 — The Testing of Abraham
DAILY word study: SHOW
The Greek word translated as "show" in Acts 1:24 is ἀναδείκνυμι (anadeiknymi). This compound word comes from ἀνά (ana, meaning "up" or "again") and δείκνυμι (deiknymi, meaning "to point out" or "to make known"). The term conveys the idea of formally designating, appointing or revealing something clearly. It often implies divine authority or purpose in the action of revealing. In Acts 1:24, the apostles’ prayer to God to "show" the chosen individual reflects their reliance on divine insight, acknowledging that only God truly knows the hearts of people. The use of anadeiknymi emphasizes an active revelation—a clear designation by God of His choice. This word aligns with the broader biblical theme that God’s guidance is intentional and purposeful, leading His people toward His sovereign will. For example, in Luke 10:1, Jesus uses a similar word when He "appoints" seventy-two disciples, showing God’s authority in commissioning His servants. Reflection:
When we pray for God to "show" us His will, we ask for clarity that only He can provide. This act requires faith, trust, and a willingness to align our decisions with His revealed purpose. Are you prepared to embrace what God reveals, trusting that His plans are for your good and His glory?
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