“Behold, He Prayeth”

Acts 9:11

“And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,”

The last three words of this passage should bring relief to every child of God that has ever read them.

At the center of this scene is a man with bloody hands. He has persecuted the church in immeasurable ways. However, after an experience with God that left him without sight for three days, he was in some posture of prayer, and God heard him.

Whether he was standing, kneeling, walking, or lying prostrate on the ground, it did not matter. What mattered was the fact that he was praying, and God took note! At that moment that heaven and earth met.

God heard his prayer and immediately began to prepare someone to go to him with restoration in mind. This restoration would give Paul a voice that would be heard and a ministry that would forever change the New Testament church's landscape!

The image captured in Acts 9:11 reminds me of an old song from long ago entitled "Steal Away and Pray." It's a simple song with a powerful message, a message that reminds us of the power of personal prayer.

May we never forsake the altar and our special times alone with God.

Let heaven be able to say of us, "behold they pray!"

Respectfully,

Steve A. Boyd
Florida District Superintendent