Acts 4: 23 - 31

What do you do when you’re facing a problem of some sort? Do you pray? I am willing to bet that even some non-Christians pray when dealing with a big problem. Although it seems like the natural thing to do, too often, I don’t pray when I’m facing a problem. I’ll just get pissed off, and fret and worry about the situation.

Marcia (wifey) is much more consistent with prayer as a response to problems than I am. She even prays when she can’t find something she has misplaced! Well, she usually finds it shortly thereafter…

It’s ok to get mad or upset when you are facing a problem. But don’t let anger be your only response. Pray about it too. No, being mad and saying “God damn it” is not a prayer!

As we read today, the apostles prayed in response to a problem. When trials and persecution for Jesus’ sake happened to them, the first thing they did was pray. And they prayed together. They knew that they were not able to handle these situations with their own strength. Their habit of going straight to prayer in adverse situations was one of the greatest assets the early church had.

Got a problem today? Don’t just be mad or worry about it. Pray about it. Pray alone, and with someone else.

I remember a commercial in the ‘70’s for GLAD brand plastic trash bags. It showed a housewife taking her garbage to the curb for pickup, when the plastic bag broke, spilling the garbage all over the place and then her getting all ticked off.

The little selling point catch phrase for the product was “Don’t get mad. Get GLAD!” So, “Don’t get mad. Get prayer!”
Yes, I know that’s corny. But you’ll remember it…. – Richard M.