Prayer that Agrees with God

Acts 1:12-14

The Upper Room Prayer Meeting

12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey. 13 And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. NKJV 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey. In continuation from our last study of the Acts of the Apostles, we pick up from where the two angels assured them Jesus Christ was going to return in the same manner He departed. Verse 12 indicates that they were standing on the mount called Olivet, which is, a Sabbath day’s journey from Jerusalem. After Jesus’ ascension they returned to Jerusalem. 13 And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. All eleven of Christ’s chosen Apostles witnessed this event, returned and entered, Jerusalem. In Jerusalem they evidently had a room that was prepared for them. It maybe mere speculation to say that this is the same upper room that Jesus spoke of before His death,

Mark 14:13-15 13 And He sent out two of His disciples and said to them, "Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him. 14 Wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?"' 15 Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and prepared; there make ready for us." NKJV

. . . but the disciples felt safe enough to take up a continual residence in this "upper room". The Greek words for “were staying” is εἰμίκαταμένω, which means, to daily remain or continually abide. Therefore this was likely a fixed residence for all the Apostles. The key ingredient to what is to come in the future for the church is that the Apostles, the other disciples, and even the women were all in agreement in their prayers and requests before The Lord. Their was no division among them, but they were praying “together” daily with “one accord”. The Greek word for “one accord” is ὁμοθυμαδόν, which means, to have one mind. The application the church should draw from this is to strive to have the same mind that her prayers will not be hindered(1Pet.3:7).

Rom 12:16 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. NKJV 1 Cor 1:10-11 10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. NKJV Phil 3:15-16 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. NKJV Phil 4:2-3 Be United, Joyful, and in Prayer 2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. NKJV 1 Peter 4:1-6 4 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles — when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. 5 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. NKJV

The church’s greatest armor against sin in the church is to have the same mind and unity as The Father, The Son, and Holy Spirit have within the Godhead(1Cor.2:16). The most powerful church, is a church, that is in full agreement with God and the Scriptures alone. Making agreements with the world results in enmity with God(James 4:4). The church must be prepared to give an account for her disunity. (1 Peter 4:5 ) They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. In this the gospel will be preached to every creature and man has no excuse. The purpose of this unity is, so that, the gospel will be preached to every creature in every part of the earth but, without the unity of the Holy Spirit that is about to come upon this first fellowship of believers, the command to go into all the world would be impossible. We will soon see the history of how the power of God fell upon this fellowship to fulfill the great commission, and now that Holy Spirit has come, we are to continue in her power and mission. Matt 28:18-20 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. NKJV