Preparing for the Power of PentecostSample

The Apostles were given an assignment: being Christ’s witnesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). They understood that prayer was essential to accomplishing that mission. The Apostles were together and praying (v14), but we know it wasn’t just them present (v15). During the seven days between Jesus’s ascension and the Holy Spirit’s arrival, 120 followers of Christ gathered together. It’s reasonable to assume that, like Peter stood to address them all about Judas, he would lead them to join in prayer. As a leader who wants to experience God’s powerful presence, like Peter, we must lead others to join in prayer. Joining together in corporate prayer is essential for three primary reasons. First, corporate prayer is a moment of communion and a request made to the creator of the universe. You or your team face no circumstance that God cannot meet. We should remind them (and ourselves) of that reality. Second, corporate prayer unifies the team around a common vision. In praying about the vision, the group remembers the "why" that is drowned out in the day-to-day activity. Finally, corporate prayer reminds all involved that the true leader of the organization is God (Proverbs 16:9). Far from divesting leaders of their influence, this fact reminds us that we’re all accountable to God - even you as the leader. If you want to experience the power of Pentecost, mobilize your team to join you in prayer for the mission and vision you’ve been given. Action Steps: Consider how you can practically mobilize others to join in prayer about the vision. Pray that God would open the opportunity to pray corporately.