May 30, 2021 · Acts 4:23–28

Power Prayer

On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God.

“I actually believe that power comes from faith, and this is the thing that last year was really put on my heart. It was faith. It's interesting how God puts different words — I've been asking for words for each year, but last year was faith. This year's is prayer. And I believe that prayer in faith is important. Deeds in faith are important. When they come from a place of faith, so much more happens. Honestly, in the last two years my faith has grown a lot, and I've been praying more in faith, and I've been seeing things more and more come to be accomplished, because I've been prompted by faith. Something will come to mind, or I just feel an impression on my heart, and then I start to trust: okay, is that for me? I think I'm going to go on this. I think God is leading me in this direction. And when you think God is leading you — when you have faith that God is leading you in this direction — it's amazing what you can do. When you're acting out of faith, there's a power. That's what these people are doing: "Okay, we have faith that you can overcome these authorities that want to hurt us." And notice: faith and goodness are fruits of the Spirit. Paul is asking for fruition of these deeds done in faith, and he's asking for fruition for every desire of goodness. Isn't that interesting? The fruit of the Spirit — would the fruit of the Spirit bring to fruition? That's what I truly believe. I believe that joy comes from faith. If you're feeling despair, we need more faith. That's what we need to ask God for. "Increase my faith, Lord." We need to look for the promises of Scripture. We need to remember that God is good and he loves us, and trust that love — because I think love comes from faith. I can love my enemy when I have faith that God is with me. Peace comes from faith.”