🕊️ PRAY HERE Devotion 🕊️ Prayer Before Assignment

Scripture: Acts 6:6–7

“Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly…”

Devotion: Prayer is a proper way to start anything.

We pray when we wake up in the morning before starting our day.

We pray over our food before we eat.

Many of us pray before special occasions, major decisions, surgeries, trips, interviews, and important life events.

Why?

Because we understand that we need God’s help.

In Acts 6:6, the Apostles had already intentionally selected the seven qualified servants. The qualifications had been examined. The people had agreed. The men had been chosen.

But before they started their assignment, the Apostles prayed and laid hands on them before the people.

This was very similar to how many churches today conduct ordination services, installation services, or commissioning ceremonies.

The chosen are publicly affirmed, blessed, and sent forth to do the work.

But why did the Apostles pray?

Because prayer invites God’s divine intervention and assistance into our lives.

Whew!

Prayer acknowledges that although we may be qualified, we still need God.

Prayer says:

“Lord, we cannot do this without You.”

Prayer is an act of faith.

And for true believers, prayer gives assurance that God is with us and that victory and success are possible because He is involved.

The Apostles understood this.

They did not simply choose the seven and tell them:

“Good luck.”

No.

They prayed over them.

They laid hands on them.

They blessed them.

And they publicly endorsed them before the congregation.

That part is important.

As the respected leaders of the church, it was necessary for the people to see that these seven men had their support and approval.

Imagine someone secretly receiving a major leadership position at church with no announcement, no endorsement, and no explanation to the congregation.

People would likely be confused.

Questions would arise.

Assumptions would be made.

Problems could follow.

But God is not the author of confusion.

He is a God of clarity, order, and peace.

The ordination that took place in verse 6 gave these men a proper start to their work.

And look at the result.

Verse 7 says:

“The word of God increased.”

The disciples multiplied.

The church continued growing.

Glory to God!

Notice something important:

This growth happened because the Apostles were not doing their own thing.

They were carefully and prayerfully following the instructions God had given them.

Whew!

That will preach.

Sometimes we wonder why things are not growing, why doors are not opening, or why there is no fruit.

Could it be that we are doing things our way instead of God’s way?

Because there is always more fruit when we follow God’s instructions.

As you reflect on today’s devotion, ask yourself:

Am I obeying God or doing my own thing?

There is much more success, peace, and fruit when we do things God’s way.

God bless you!

Prayer: Father God, thank You for reminding me of the importance of prayer before every assignment. Help me not to rely on my own abilities, wisdom, or qualifications, but to depend on You in all things. Lord, guide my steps and help me carefully follow Your instructions instead of doing things my own way. Give me clarity, peace, and discernment in every area of my life. Let every assignment You have given me begin with prayer and be sustained by Your power. Help me walk in obedience so that my life produces fruit that glorifies You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen. 🙏🕊️