JUNE 3 - ONE ACCORD IN PRAYER

Key Scripture:
"Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers." - Acts 1:12-14
"Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." - Matthew 18:19-20

Devotional:
Before Pentecost's power, there was Pentecost's prayer meeting. For ten days after Christ's ascension, 120 believers gathered in Jerusalem's upper room-waiting, watching, and praying. This wasn't casual prayer; it was προσκαρτεροῦντες (proskarterountes)-"continually devoting themselves" to prayer. The same word appears in Acts 2:42, describing the early church's devotion to apostolic teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer.
What made this prayer gathering remarkable was its unity. The text specifically states they were "with one accord" (ὁμοθυμαδὸν, homothumadon)-literally "of one mind" or "with one passion." This wasn't mere agreement on doctrine but a profound heart-level unity that transcended their differences.
Consider who was in that upper room: fishermen and tax collectors, men and women, the mother of Jesus and His once-skeptical brothers. Even more striking, the group included Simon the Zealot (a revolutionary who opposed Rome) and Matthew (a former tax collector who had collaborated with Rome). In Christ, enemies became brothers.
This unity fulfilled Jesus' prayer in John 17:20-23: "that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you... May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me." Unity isn't optional for believers-it's essential for spiritual power and effective witness.
In 2 Chronicles 5:13-14, when the musicians and singers praised God "in unison," the glory of the Lord filled the temple. Similarly, in Acts 4:31, when believers prayed in unity, "the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly."
Unity doesn't mean uniformity. The early believers maintained their distinct personalities and gifts but were united in purpose and passion. Paul would later describe this as "keeping the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3).
As we approach Pentecost, let us examine our hearts. Are there relationships that need reconciliation? Are there divisions that grieve the Spirit? Jesus taught that we should first be reconciled to our brother or sister before offering our gift at the altar (Matthew 5:23-24). Unity and persevering prayer create the atmosphere for spiritual outpouring.

Prayer Points for Holy Spirit's Outpouring:

• Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any disunity or division in your church that hinders His work.
• Pray for the healing of broken relationships within the Body of Christ.
• Ask for a spirit of humility and forgiveness to permeate your congregation.
• Pray for Spirit-led unity around the central mission of Christ, not personal preferences.
• Ask for the Holy Spirit to use your church's unity as a powerful witness to the world.

Pray with someone else today-your spouse, friend, or small group. Consider reaching out to reconcile with someone with whom you've had tension.