Acts 1-2, Psalm 119:153-176
Acts 1:24-25 (NLT)
“Then they all prayed, ‘O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.’”
In Acts 1:24–25, we see the disciples praying to the Lord about their decision to choose a replacement for Judas. The disciples had identified two men as candidates: Joseph called Barsabbas and Matthias. Both men met the requirements Peter had described for someone to become the next apostle. In their prayer, the disciples acknowledged that Father-God knows every heart and that the Lord had already chosen the man who would replace Judas.
One Bible commentary I read noted that the disciples' prayer about replacing Judas acknowledged that the church is established and led by the Lord, rather than simply by human votes or the charisma of individuals. The disciples modeled for believers the importance of praying before major decisions, especially decisions that shape ministry. They asked the Lord to reveal His choice for the new apostle.
What struck me about the disciples' prayer is that they trusted the Lord had already chosen the man to replace Judas, and they were praying that Father-God would reveal His choice to them. When I pray for something, most of the time, I already know what I want to happen. Their way of praying has inspired me to place more trust in Father-God's guidance rather than relying only on my own choices, and to pray that He reveal what He wants me to do. As I learn to do this, I believe it will help me become more aligned with the Lord's purposes for my life.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One whose guidance we can seek when making important decisions—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus' name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord's love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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