The time in-between

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12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
Acts 1:12-14

What did the disciples do in the time in-between the Ascension and Pentecost?  Acts 1:12-26 tells us.  The main emphasis of the passage is choosing someone to replace Judas.  Before they get into the specifics of that, three things are talked about ......
First: The apostles go back home.  They had just seen their Lord go away from them and had angels tell them that He will come back.  But they remember and obey what Jesus had told them earlier:
“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about." (Acts 1:4)  So they head back to Jerusalem to wait.
Second: The passage listed who was there - the Eleven as well as the women, Mary, and Jesus' brothers.
Third: We find out what they did while they waited -  they "joined together constantly in prayer" (vs. 14).

As my last two blogs reveal, I am thinking a lot about prayer these days.  Part of the reason is that I hope that thinking and writing about it will increase the quality (and quantity) of prayer in my life.

When I read this description of how they spend the time in-between the Ascension and Pentecost, I am drawn to a waiting that is with others and in prayer.  Now, I know that all my prayer time will not be with others, but I ask - do I pray with others sometime?  There are a variety of ways this can happen: in person, in prayer meetings, over the phone, even sharing prayer requests through email or text.  Also, I know I don't pray continuously, but I ask - do I pray regularly?  Do I live my life in an attitude of prayer with praise and thanksgiving flowing through my thoughts and from my lips throughout my day?  Do I ask God for what I need and for what others need without hesitation?

Considering these questions, without looking to shame myself, can motivate me to pray.  I hope this is the same for you.

in Christ,
Tracy

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