Acts 1:14 – A Memory Verse and Reflection Questions about Constant Prayer

A Memory Verse

When looking at the first chapter of the book of Acts, Acts 1:14 makes a great memory verse. As the disciples are following Jesus’ instructions to wait for the Holy Spirit, they join together in constant prayer. When I look at my own life, there are periods of action and periods of waiting. During the times of waiting, how do I spend my time? This verse indicates that there should probably be more time spent in prayer!

All these with one accord continued steadfastly in prayer and supplication, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
Acts 1:14 (WEB)

Another interesting point is that these early Christians didn’t just silently retreat into their own homes as they waited, they gathered together. While there are periods where solitary prayer is good, there are also other periods where prayer groups are better. This was apparently a time where corporate prayer was important.

“Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be done for them by my Father who is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them.”
Matthew 18:19-20 (WEB)

Jesus tells us in the book of Matthew why this is the case. Whenever we gather in Jesus’ name, Jesus will join us and will work all things out for the glory of God. If we are praying for the things that Jesus finds good and beneficial, our prayers will be answered.

Many people misinterpret this verse to mean that Jesus is a magical genie that gives us everything we want, but in reality, he is telling us to chase after the things that are important to God.

The Bible tells us that there are several reason that our prayer may not be answered. The first is that we simply may be asking for something that is against God’s will:

For he said to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who has mercy.
Romans 9:15-16 (WEB)

Or we could get a no answer if we pray with wrong motives:

You ask, and don’t receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.
James 4:3 (WEB)

Maybe we are holding onto unconfessed sin:

But your iniquities have separated you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.
Isaiah 59:2 (WEB)

Or we could have unforgiveness in our hearts:

Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions.
Mark 11:25 (WEB)

There are many reasons that our prayers may be declined, but the key point is that we should not give up just because we receive an unfavorable answer. God wants us to continue to come to him in prayer. He may answer with a yes, a no, or a wait, but he will answer. If the request is truly important, persistence is key! We may simply be receiving an answer of wait, rather than no.

Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace,above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints:
Ephesians 6:10-18 (WEB)

When we are in periods of waiting, let’s double down on prayer and come to Jesus!

Reflection Questions

Reflection Questions for Christians

How often do you come to Jesus in prayer? Do you think it is as often as Jesus would like?
When do you pray in groups and when do you pray by yourself?
Do you think that the things you are asking for match the heart of Jesus? Why or why not?
When you receive an answers of yes, no, or wait, how do you respond? How do you think Jesus would like you to respond to each of these answers?
What do you think you should pray for now?

Reflection Questions for non-Christians

Have you ever tried praying to Jesus? Why or why not? If you did pray to him, what was the response you received: yes, no, or wait?
From what you know about Jesus, what types of things are most likely to receive a yes answer? What makes you think this?
From what you know about Jesus, what types of things are most likely to receive either a wait or a no answer? What makes you think this?
Consider praying to Jesus now. Ask him to show you if he is real. Ask him to give you the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Reflection Questions for Kids

Have you ever asked Jesus for something? How did he respond? Yes, no, or wait?
What types of things is Jesus happy to say yes to?
What types of things might Jesus say no to?
When might Jesus tell you to wait?
What do you think you should pray for now?

Reflective Prayer

Use this memory verse to pray using the ACTS method: Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, Supplication

Adoration: Praise God. Does this verse bring any specific characteristics of God to mind?
Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. Does this verse bring any specific sins to mind?
Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. Does anything from this verse inspire gratitude?
Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. Does anything from this verse inspire a prayer?

If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.