Today’s Key Scripture (all references NKJV unless otherwise noted:

And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

—Acts 4:31

On the Day of Pentecost, it is noteworthy to see that something occurred that is often overlooked. The 120 believers gathered in the Upper Room to pray earnestly that the promised power of the Holy Spirit would descend.

Earlier, when Jesus taught about prayer, He told us that to receive the Holy Spirit we must ask. He said, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” (Luke 11:13, KJV).

Peter and John experienced the power of the Spirit as a result of prayer. They looked up to heaven and said, “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus” (Acts 4:30, KJV).

The Bible records that after they prayed, “they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness”  (Acts 4:31).

Prayer opens the floodgates of heaven so that God’s presence and power will descend!

A Prayer for Today:

Father, fill me with Your power. I pray that Your presence and power will descend as you open the floodgates of heaven. Help me to see everything through Your eyes. Thank You for replacing all my fears, insecurities, and challenges with You love, forgiveness, righteousness, compassion, goodness, and glory. May I always be aware that You are my strength and power. I trust my life to You, Lord. Amen!