Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Phillip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
Acts 1:12-14, ESV
It appears that the disciples witnessed Jesus’ ascension at a memorable place. Not at scene of the crucifixion, though. Not at the Jewish temple. It appears that all this went down at the scene of Jesus’ most fervent of prayers–the mount of Olives. Jesus, during the days of resurrected presence, went on a sight-seeing tour to memorable places.
And what did they take away from their time at Olivet? Making their way back to Jerusalem proper, they ascend to the upper room, and there they pray. “All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.”
Those who wear the name of Christ form a community of prayer.
- And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. Luke 18:1, ESV
- pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17, ESV
- Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2, ESV
- Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12, ESV
- do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6, ESV
- And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18, NIV
I like the way of friend of mine spoke of 1 Thessalonians 5:17. His thought is that prayer is, essentially, a state of mind. So he refers to 1 Thessalonians 5:17 as “uninterrupted prayer.” I like that.
Prayer hasn’t always been as important to me as it is now. I’m ashamed to admit this, but it is true. Let’s be like the community that was coming into being in Acts 1 and be devoted to prayer!
