Go: Praying

How did the early church get started?

We know the story of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 2:1-4).

**Without the Holy Spirit, there is no mission.**

But how do we experience the Holy Spirit? In our spirit, by prayer. Within our inmost being, we talk to God, and we receive God's love. God's love is poured out into our hearts (Romans 5:5).

And what prepared the disciples to receive the Spirit? Let's look at Acts 1:14 together: "They all were continually united in prayer, along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers."

**Continual prayer is the fuel for mission.**

Imagine a soldier who turns off his radio. He will have a hard time following his commander's orders. It will be dangerous. Before long, disconnected from the troops, in light of the dangers of battle, he might go AWOL.

A simple approach to prayer is called "practicing God's presence." It's an approach to prayer that sees God as our Friend. Brother Lawrence, a monk who lived in the 1600s, offers us wisdom. He once said:

"The most important part resides in renouncing, once and for all, whatever does not lead to God. This allows us to become involved in a continuous conversation with Him in a simple and unhindered manner. All we have to do is to recognize God as being intimately present within us. Then we may speak directly to Him every time we need to ask for help, to know His will in moments of uncertainty, and to do whatever He wants us to do in a way that pleases Him. We should offer our work to Him before we begin and thank Him afterward for the privilege of having done it for His sake. This continuous conversation should also include praising and loving God incessantly for His infinite goodness and perfection."