The Prayer for Witness/ Acts 4:21-32

Psa 27:11 [[[A Psalm] of David Psa 27:11 [[[A Psalm] of David.]] The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked, [even] mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. 3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this [will] I [be] confident.

A Crooked Company 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all [men] glorified God for that which was done. 22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. 23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.  

A Corporate Cry Prayer as response 24a And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God…

Key Point #1 If Christians refrain from praying in crisis then we shouldn’t be surprised when crisis has contained our witness.

A Corporate Cry Prayer as response v. 24a Prayer in unity Act 4:24b And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord,

“This I most firmly believe, that no one ought to expect to see much good resulting from his labors in word and doctrine, if he is not much given to prayer and meditation.” ― George Müller, The Autobiography of George Müller

Key Point #2 If Christians refrain from praying together then they shouldn’t be surprised when our will is divided and their vision is lost

The Content of Our Cry Bring Our Worship Act 4:24 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:

The Content of Our Cry Bring Our Worship Act 4:24 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: Mat 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name

Key Point #3 Our corporate prayers must begin by settling the matter of majesty.

The Content of Our Cry Bring Our Worship v. 24 Bring Our Dilemma 4:25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? 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.

Psa 2:1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing Psa 2:1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, [saying], 3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. 4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. 5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. 6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

Key Point #4 Our corporate prayers must be a call for God to deliver us from all impediments to the gospel.

The Content of Our Cry Bring Our Worship v. 24 Bring Our Dilemma v. 25-28 Bring Us Boldness 29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

Key Point #5 Our corporate prayers must be a request for a fearless witness.

The Content of Our Cry Bring Our Worship v. 24 Bring Our Dilemma v. 25-28 Bring Us Boldness v. 29 Bring Us Breakthrough 30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

Key Point #6 Our corporate prayers must be a request for God to give us favor with souls.

The Consequence of Our Cry Power 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

The Consequence of Our Cry Power & Boldness v. 31 & 33 Filling 31b…and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost,

The Consequence of Our Cry Power & Boldness v. 31 & 33 Filling v. 31b Boldness 31c….and they spake the word of God with boldness.

The Consequence of Our Cry Power & Boldness v. 31 & 33 Filling v. 31b Boldness v. 31c Greater Unity 32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any [of them] that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

Key Point #7 Our corporate prayers work.