Devotional Guide for Thursday, October 6

Acts 12:1-19

Reflect
“So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.” (v5)

This verse, particularly the second half of it, caused me to pause. What caught my attention was the word “earnestly”, and I had to think about the last time I earnestly prayed for someone or something.

I was sure I knew what earnestly meant, but I looked it up anyways. It means “with sincere and intense conviction; seriously”. The church was praying with sincere and intense conviction for Peter. How blessed was Peter to have people earnestly praying for him.

Who are you earnestly praying to God for? What situation are you earnestly bringing before God to do what only God can do? I know I was convicted to reflect on my own prayer life and evaluate how earnestly I am coming before the Lord with my petitions.

Pastor Terry

Pray for International Student Ministries Canada
International Student Ministries Canada (ISMC) is a national ministry focussed on reaching international students who conduct their studies at Canadian universities and colleges. It operates in three different spheres: practical, social and spiritual. In Edmonton, the practical component consists of the furniture ministry and ESL. The furniture ministry helps the students move and pick up furniture. The social aspect consists of interacting with students at picnics and games nights, as well as hospitality provided by individual volunteers. Relationships with international students provide opportunities to do activities together. The spiritual aspect is carried out through one-on-one studies as well as through offering Bible studies on Friday nights at McKernan. Please pray that the students will come out to the evening studies to investigate the Bible for themselves. Also pray that students read the Bibles that they receive from us