Biblical Teaching on Prayer
Acts 10:1-6
Cornelius Calls for Peter
1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. 3 One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”
4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked.
The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”
Pondering Point
Don’t settle for merely reading this verse; go and check out the rest of the section – even the whole chapter (and try to make this a habit!). We find here that God honors the lifestyle of this centurion Cornelius. This doesn't make God like a vending machine, but it does reveal another facet of God's personality and the impact that a devoted prayer for life can have. Ask yourself these questions: How am I serving as a memorial offering of sorts? Is it my desire to be a service-oriented person? Is it my desire to serve other people in the various environments that I find myself in? Am I looking, as Jesus says, to serve or be served?
Prayer
Again, acknowledge the following identity about yourself: “I am a disciple of Jesus serving in work that glorifies the Father.”
Then pray:
Father God, help me develop into the kind of person whose life becomes a memorial offering before You day and night – in words, in action, in thought and in attitude.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Discuss this with your micro-group.
Prayer Thoughts
Chapter 37
Coaching
Coaching helps people expand their vision, build their confidence, unlock their potential, increase their skills, and take practical steps toward their goals. Coaching is about the future, about asking questions, about clarifying values, about encouraging, and discovering the new. Coaching for life is what I want to do with our sons, their wives, our grandchildren and anyone who touches my life. It is an impossible mission made possible only with the Holy Spirit’s guidance and direction…. The Apostle Paul prayed for those he coached:
- He prayed that the Holy Spirit will help them in their weakness (Romans 8:26, Ephesians 3:16).
- He prayed that they would not do what was wrong, but will do what was right (2 Corinthians 13:7).
- He prayed that the eyes of their heart would be enlightened (Ephesians 1:18).
- He prayed a prayer of thanksgiving for them (2 Timothy 1:3).
- He prayed that they would increase in knowledge and depth of insight (Philippians 1:9, Colossians 1:9).
- He prayed that they would be able to avoid anxiety and turn their concerns over to God in prayer (Philippians 4:6).
- He prayed that God would fulfill their every good purpose and that the name of the Lord Jesus would be glorified in them (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12).
- He prayed that they would be active in sharing their faith (Philemon 1:6).
Think of some person in your life that you could coach. Use the prayers of the Apostle Paul as your prayers for the young person or friend you have chosen to coach.
Got his book? Read pages 171-174 in Keep Me and Keep All, Smith.
Also check out Pastor Bob’s answer to Prayer Question #52 on page 294: “How do you know when your prayers are answered?”