Prayer and Sharing

Christians often use the words "prayer" and "sharing" together. The way this phrase is used in the North American Church is different from the "praying and sharing" that is reported in Acts 4:23-37. When believers today refer to "prayer and sharing" it is more precisely "sharing and prayer." The occasion for prayer is usually preceded by a period of sharing concerns and requests. Many times this gets rather lengthy and is actually longer than the prayer time itself. Why do we have to discuss things among ourselves before bringing them to the throne of God? Why not just pray? Others listening can pray along in agreement or pray for the needs themselves.

How different things were in the Jerusalem church! They prayed first - a very deep prayer that was then followed by the sharing of their material goods with those who had need. Let us look first of all at what they prayed and then secondly how they shared.

After the release of Peter and John (from custody of the Sanhedrin) the believers raised their voices together in prayer to God" (Acts 4:24-30). Notice the content of their prayer. 1) The Sovereignty of God. The Almighty is the Creator and Sovereign Lord of the universe. This is a good thing to remind ourselves of when things seem to be out of control. Evil people may be acting on their own volition but somehow God works everything into his purpose and will (See Luke 2:1-12 & Matthew 2:3-6). 2) They referred to Scripture, actually quoting from a relevant passage from Psalms. This is an excellent thing to do - use God's own words when we are seeking something from him. Of course this means we need to be familiar with the Bible in order to do this. To "beef up" your prayers, incorporate God's Word and promises. 3) When they got around to their request, they asked God to strengthen them so they could meet the situation and not avoid it. Most of the time today Christians ask God to change the circumstance instead of changing them. The result of this prayer is noted - the place (not the Christians) was shaken. The believers were once again filled with the Holy Spirit (See Acts 2:4 & Ephesians 5:18). When we are yielded and committed to God we are filled by his presence.

Now observe what occurred next. The believers were unified - "one in heart and mind." This caused them to share what they had with each other. Some even went so far as to sell their possessions and donated the funds to the Apostles- who then distributed where the needs existed. The outcome was that there were no needy persons among them. This voluntary action (see Acts 5:4) was true Christianity action. No wonder the Early Church had great power and much grace (Acts 4:33). The modern church needs to rediscover the actions and attitudes of the Early Church. We need to bring our "prayer and sharing" in line with what is described in the Book of Acts. Perhaps then we will see great numbers turning to Christ.

Having Faith & Sharing are Antidotes to Anxiety

We are living in challenging times as our nation enters an economic recession. Every day we are reminded of this through articles in the newspapers and stories on radio and television. The steady drumbeat of news about home foreclosures, increased unemployment and high food and energy costs adds to our anxiety and stress.

So how does faith matter in times such as these? When we are living in periods of prosperity, it is easy to become self-reliant and forget about God and our dependence on others. When tough times comes, we often realize that we need friends, family and God.

Jesus Christ encouraged his followers not to be anxious. He said, "Do not worry about your life, about what you will eat or drink or about your body and what you will wear. Is not life more important than food and the body more important than clothes?" (Matthew 6:25).

What is the opposite of anxiety or worry? The answer is to trust and to have faith.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians from a Roman jail, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6). When we pray to God, we are exercising our faith by believing that God can do what it is we are seeking.

In addition to faith, there is another important thing to do in tough times: Remember to share with others. When we help someone else, we also benefit from acts of charity. In helping others, we feel good about the deed done and it gets our mind off ourselves and our troubles. Even if it is limited to donating a can of soup or vegetables, looking after a shut-in, volunteering an hour or two for some worthwhile cause, do not let your limited means be an excuse for doing nothing.

Perhaps the best biblical example of giving is the widow who donated her "two mites," which are small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. "Calling his disciples to Him, Jesus said, 'I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on.'" (Mark 12:43-44).

It truly is more blessed to give than receive and it does reduce anxiety--for others and yourself.