“They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers” (Acts 1:14).
Mary, the mother of Jesus, is mentioned several times in the Bible. The last time she is mentioned is in the Book of Acts. It was a short time after Jesus had ascended into heaven. The disciples and some women, along with the brothers of Christ, were praying together. Suddenly a wind from heaven filled the whole house where they were and all of them, including Mary, received the gift of the Holy Spirit.
This is an exciting and wonderful story, the whole of which is found in the first two chapters of Acts. I recommend you read this whole story because there is so much we can learn from it.
Here is one thing I learned: no matter how spiritual we are—and who could be more spiritual than Jesus’ mother?—we must not neglect prayer or fellowship with other believers. Even Mary, Christ’s own mother, needed to do these things.
Secondly, I learned that we can expect unusual things to happen when people pray together. The prayers of Mary and this small group of believers united them and made them ready to receive the Holy Spirit when He came.
Thirdly, the fellowship of believers is comforting. The people who gathered with Mary—the brothers of Jesus, some women, and the disciples—had just seen Jesus’ ascension. They were emotionally on edge. They drew strength and courage from their times of prayer together.
The next time you feel too tired or stressed to go to church or Bible study remember how much you need it—and go.
Kimberly Snider is a missionary to the Philippines.
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