The Gatherings Of God's People

by G. A. JONES | Category: The Gatherings Of God's People | Jul 1952

"They continued stedfastly .... in the prayers" (Acts 2.42).

"The prayers," we believe, has reference to collective prayers of the assembly. The prayer meeting has been spoken of as "the power-house of the assembly." The assembly of God needs power, constant power from the divine source, from God.

What contribution can I make to this necessary end, so that the vital blessing of manifest and mighty power may be realized among the Lord's people? Only by giving full support to the gatherings for "the prayers".

Firstly, let us cite three outstanding examples of collective prayer.

(1) At the Lord's expressed command the one hundred and twenty disciples are gathered together-"These all with one accord continued stedfastly in prayer" (Acts 1.44). What wondrous results followed! The Holy Spirit came down in mighty power and about three thousand souls believed, were baptized and added-all in one day!

(2) Peter and John were imprisoned. They were released; an answer to continual, stedfast prayer by the church. Prayer is again offered, great prayer, bringing in its train great power and great

grace (Acts 4.28-33).

(3) Peter is again in prison, but the saints, where are they? "But prayer was made earnestly of the church unto God for him." As a result Peter knew a wondrous, unexpected deliverance.

These three outstanding instances cannot fail to impress upon us God's purpose for His people in the matter of prayer.

How wide is the scope of Isaiah's prophecy, "For My House shall be called an house of prayer for all peoples"! (Isaiah 56.7).

Again, as in the last article, practical issues arise. Attendance at the prayer meeting is all important. Why? It is the Lord's command! If we are absent wilfully we disobey His Word, and therefore displease Him. Is it possible that we allow less important matters to keep us away? Those at night classes, do they seek to arrange their school-life so that they can be present? Do others endeavour to get release from work on the prayer-meeting night? How sad if the Lord's claims are put second, and our own affairs first!

When able to be present try to be in time, do not be content to put in an appearance, sometimes late.

"The prayers" is the solemn occasion of assembly confession, supplication, intercession with thanksgiving. What an intensely solemn and yet blessed experience

Before we come to the prayer meeting do we speak to God in private prayer, making personal confession, making personal supplication with thanksgiving. Do we long in personal outpourings before our Heavenly Father that the prayer meeting may he a rich outflow of manifold power and blessing to the assembly, to the Fellowship, to all believers, to all the nations and also to us each severally.

At the gatherings for prayer may we draw from the limitless resources of divine comfort and joy. Here is the place where yet another of Isaiah's messages may have fulfilment-"Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation" (Isaiah 12.2, 8).

Thus we can at this resting place realize it is a sweet oasis in our desert path. Are we discouraged, disappointed, disillusioned? Our place of refuge is the prayer meeting. There we find encouragement, renewed hope and happy confidence.

Oftentimes while at the prayer meeting, we are taken to the Cross, and there consider afresh our Saviour's dying love and find joy and are at rest

"To Calvary, Lord, in spirit oft

Our weary souls repair,

To dwell upon Christ's dying love,

And taste its sweetness there.

Sweet resting place of every heart

That frets the plague of sin;

Yet knows that deep mysterious joy, The peace of God within."

Do we want to receive power, power to cause us to grow and develop into spiritual maturity? Shall we heed kindly counsel? Wilful neglect of, and carelessness or indifference to, "the prayers" will make us barren and unfruitful.

Youthful energy, enthusiasm and zeal may cry out for power. Do we want power? Do we crave blessing? Only by keeping before us this watchword-this example of the early disciples can we achieve this for ourselves and others.

"they continued stedfastly .... in the prayers."

G. A. JONES | Jul 1952
The Gatherings Of God's People