May the mumbling commence!
Is it time to jumpstart your prayer life? Then, join the symphony of conversation! Make sure your timing is right so that you will blend with beautiful harmonies. To blend properly it will take impeccable timing, and that means listening for the metronome of prayer. How do we find that metronome tock-tock?
Let us examine the story of Simon Peter and Cornelius recorded in Acts chapters ten and eleven. Let’s answer the question of when Cornelius prayed. Read from Acts chapter ten:
At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. (Verses 1-3a)
What can we learn from Cornelius? 1) Cornelius led a family as devout and God-fearing people. This devout nature led them to giving generously to people in need and led them to regular prayer. 2) Prayer meant action – giving generously. 3) Prayer meant listening to the call of the Spirit of God – he had a vision. Note that the vision occurred at three in the afternoon – a time set aside for regular daily prayer in the Temple. 4) As later verses state (vs. 5-8), Cornelius obeyed the instructions he was given.
Remember that I spoke about a prayer symphony – a beautiful blend of harmonies? Well, what can we learn from Simon Peter? Read some more from Acts chapter ten:
About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles of the earth and birds of the air. Then a voice told him, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat."
"Surely not, Lord!" Peter replied. "I have never eaten anything impure or unclean."
The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.
While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon's house was and stopped at the gate. They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.
While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them." (Verses 9-20)
We learn from Simon Peter. 1) The importance of ritual – Peter prayed at noon, another established time of prayer in the Temple. Even though he was not in the Temple, Peter joined these other people in prayer. Perhaps, he even joined Cornelius without even knowing it.
2) Prayer is about hunger – Peter became hungry for lunch. Maybe he could smell lunch cooking downstairs. Why didn’t Peter take lunch first? People do not live on bread alone. Prayer is about spiritual hunger for the Word of God.
3) Prayer is about listening – even when we do not understand. God will eventually make His will known to us.
4) Prayer is about obedience and action. Simon Peter, too, obeyed (vs. 23-24).
Then, Peter and Cornelius meet. Read more from Acts chapter ten:
Cornelius answered: "Four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me and said, 'Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.' So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us…"
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. (Verses 30-33; 44-46a)
What power prayer has when it is done in concert! What beautiful harmonies of vastly different instruments – both Jewish and Gentile! Peter had them baptized (10:47-48), and he defended their baptism before the Jewish elders later (11:15-17). He said, “So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God (Verse 17)?"
In prayer, there is no conceivable righteous opposition to God. Now, we know the metronome for our prayers! Your will be done, O God.
Enough mumbling for now…
Peace Out
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