Thesis #8: “The New Apostolic Epoch” By: P. Douglas Small
A thesis is a statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved. I believe the following thesis that I am about to read to you concerning prayer. In the church, we do many things such as maintaining the buildings and grounds, keeping them clean, visiting the sick and needy, caring for those in need of care, discipling, training, preaching the Gospel and a whole lot more. The thesis I am presenting today, thesis # 8 about prayer says this:
“The two great blessings in Scripture drive prayer – the first, the blessing that constituted the home (Genesis 1:28), and the second, the blessing of Jesus at the ascension, that constituted the church with the descent of the Spirit (Luke 24:50; Acts 2).”
Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (Genesis 1:28 NKJV)
And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. (Luke 24:50 NKJV)
Acts 2, the Gift of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.
Prayer: O Lord, thank you for our families! They mean more to us than words can express. They are our safety net from the disasters of life, our help in the time of trouble. We lean on their prayers and help in the struggles of life.
We take time now to bless them with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Meet their social and financial needs and their need for love. Use us as instruments in Your hands to be purveyors of light for them. May your love radiate from us to them in volumes of appreciation and help.
Thank you for the body of Christ, the church. We have often been the recipient of the support, encouragement and love through the church that has sustained and kept us in trying times. Thank You that You have allowed us to be a part of that great work assigned to the church through the Great Commission and the Great Commandments. Your grace extended to us and all other believers is a guiding factor that leads us on to destiny and fulfilled purpose. Help us to remember that we are not of this world any longer, since we were borned again. Also help us to remember that as long as we are in this world, we are here to bear witness to Your love and grace to those who have not received it.
Lead us and guide us on in our journey of life so that everything you have purposed in our lives will be fulfilled. We love you and give ourselves completely to the service of Your Kingdom in the earth. Be with us through Your Spirit to guide us into your will. These things we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son and our Savior. Amen!