“And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met [there.]”. Acts 16:13
Some things should compel you to pray more than at other times. The apostle Paul’s instructions were to never place the “Amen” on the end of prayers, but to “pray without ceasing.” In this time of uncertainty and fear because of the pandemic and imposed global orders to stay at home, our prayers should be on the rise and never ending. Those women mentioned in Acts 16:13 were in a prayer group encouraging one another and seeking the Lord. It says nothing of a pandemic, but only a faithfulness to come together and pray. So this suggests the question, are you in a prayer group? How much praying to God is taking place in your home? Is your prayer life on the increase? Did you know that how much time you spend in prayer is one of the number one indicators of what you believe?
It was when prayers were offered to God by the riverside that a woman named Lydia opened her heart to the truth of the gospel. She worshipped with a closed heart until she heard the truth proclaimed by Paul. How many people do you think are just like Lydia, in a prayer group worshiping God with a closed heart? I would estimate many have been in our midst knowing they need to open their hearts to Christ. It says, “The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.” Acts 16:14
Prayers were being made, the gospel was proclaimed, and God opened Lydia’s heart. You need to believe that your prayers are moving mountains and that there is so much power when we come together to pray. Right now is a great time to start a prayer group ministry with two or three or five people. Someone has to lead in prayer just like someone led those women to the riverside to pray. Why not you? Step up to the mountain of fear that’s stopping you, gather some people with you and start praying and seeking God’s face. He will meet you at the foot of the mountain, and as you pray, you will get to see the mountain move. Let’s pray!