The early believers gathered together constantly in prayer as they waited for the Holy Spirit to come. They prayed with purpose to be Jesus' witnesses, with unity among themselves, and with persistence, knowing God's willingness depends on persevering prayer. They also prayed for guidance in selecting a successor to Judas as one of the twelve apostles. After considering the candidates who were with Jesus from the beginning, they cast lots and Matthias was chosen.

1. Today
‘Prayer before we act’
Acts 1:12-26
‘New beginnings for the people of God’

2. “I am going to send you what my
Father has promised; but stay in
the city until you have been clothed
with power from on high”
Luke 24:49
Jesus’ instructions

3. When he had led them out to the vicinity of
Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them.
While He was blessing them, He left them and was
taken up into heaven.
Then they worshipped Him and returned to
Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed
continually at the temple, praising God
Luke 24:50-53

4. They all joined together constantly
in prayer, along with the women
and Mary the mother of Jesus, and
with his brothers
Acts 1:14
Waiting time isn’t wasted time

5. “Prayer is both the thermometer and the
thermostat of the local church; for the
‘spiritual temperature’ either goes up or
down, depending on how God’s people pray”
Warren Wiersbe
1. They prayed for the Spirit to come

6. with purpose
But you will receive power when the Holy
Spirit comes on you; and you will be my
witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea
and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth
Acts 1:8
1. They prayed for the Spirit to come

7. with a spirit of unity
‘they all joined
together’
1. They prayed for the Spirit to come

8. with persistence
‘constantly in prayer’
1. They prayed for the Spirit to come

9. “Perseverance in prayer is not overcoming
God’s reluctance but rather laying hold of
God’s willingness. Our sovereign God has
purposed to sometimes require persevering
prayer as the means to accomplish His will”
Bill Thrasher - A Journey to Victorious Praying

10. O.T. prophecy
May another take his place of leadership
Psalm 109:8
2. They prayed for the selection of a successor

11. Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the
men who have been with us the whole time
the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning
from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus
was taken up from us. For one of these must
become a witness with us of his resurrection
Acts 1:21-22
2. They prayed for the selection of a successor

12. Apostle = ‘one sent on a mission’
• Present with Jesus during the 3 yrs
• Heard Jesus’ life-changing teachings
• Seen the risen Lord Jesus
2. They prayed for the selection of a successor

13. They prayed for guidance
Lord, you know everyone’s heart.
Show us which of these two you have
chosen to take over this apostolic ministry,
which Judas left to go where he belongs
Acts 1:24-25
2. They prayed for the selection of a successor

14. Go to the Lord - Proverbs 3:5-6
Discovering God’s will
Understand His principles - 2 Tim 3:16-17
Investigate your options
Discuss your options - Prov 12:15
Express your freedom - Gal 5:1

15. “You may seek
guidance, but God
desires to give you
something better -
Himself”
John White

16. They cast lots
Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to
Matthias; so he was added to the
eleven apostles
Acts 1:26
2. They prayed for the selection of a successor