Command 9: Gather

Here is Acts 2:42-47 from the New International Version (NIV):

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with grateful hearts, thanking You for the example of the early church and the powerful work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Thank You for showing us what it means to live in community, devoted to You and to one another.

Lord, help us to understand and apply the lessons from this passage. Teach us to be devoted to Your Word, just as the early church was devoted to the apostles' teaching. Help us to grow in our knowledge of You and to live out Your truth in our daily lives.

Father, we ask for a spirit of unity and fellowship within our churches and communities. Help us to love and support one another, sharing our lives and resources with glad and sincere hearts. Teach us to be generous and compassionate, meeting the needs of those around us as a reflection of Your love.

Lord, we also ask for a deeper commitment to prayer and worship. May our times of breaking bread together—whether in Communion or shared meals—be filled with joy, gratitude, and a sense of Your presence.

Thank You for the example of the early church, whose faithfulness and love drew others to You. May our lives and communities be a powerful witness to the world, so that many may come to know You and be saved.

In Jesus' name, we pray,

Amen.