The DCLM Daily Manna 17th November 2023 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — The Wonders of Prayer.

TOPIC: The Wonders of Prayer.

Text:  Acts 10:9-20 (KJV)

9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:

10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:

12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.

14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.

15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate,

18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

KEY VERSE: “On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour.” – (Acts 10:9)

DAILY MANNA FOR TODAY

Many centuries and generations have rolled by. Yet prayer has remained the most effective means of communing with and receiving from God. Through prayer, revelations have been received, situations have improved, the sick have been healed, lives have been preserved and destinies have been turned around. We see Apostle Peter receiving a vision for the inclusion of the Gentile nations into the commonwealth of God.

The Apostle had a very personal relationship with the Lord while He was on earth and sustained the close communion through prayers. The drama in the trance was to convince Peter, who had a bias against spreading the good news of the gospel to non-Jews. No one can substitute personal relationship and communion with God for any other activity or commitment.

Such activity without a one-on-one relationship with God, will sooner or later lead to frustration in life and disappointment in eternity. Man is created by default to seek God individually and depend on Him for daily survival and sustenance. Except man establishes a thriving and consistent personal relationship with God, there will be hindrances to get a proper footing in life.

Personal relationship with God begins with repentance of your sins and accepting Christ as personal Lord and Saviour. Once born again and accepted into the family of God, He wants you to talk to Him often through prayers. Prayer enhances the strength of our relationship with God because it is one of the ways to attract His presence and be in fellowship with Him. Getting down on our knees helps us get back on our feet. In the course of our daily prayer, we speak to God and in turn, hear Him speak back to us. Visions, direction, the mind of God and answer to prayers are received to empower us for life and for God’s service.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Strong relationship with God thrives through prayers.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ezekiel 22-24