people, and prayed to God alway. 3 He saw in a vision evidently, about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. Note.-Let prayers Peter at Joppa. Acts x.-9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the house-top to pray about the sixth hour. Note. It is a great work and a blessed to bring together a true preacher of the gospel, and a people needing and waiting for him. See here, the Lord himself removing the obstacles that lay in the way of Cornelius and other Gentiles hearing the gospel, and of Peter preaching it to them! The church for Peter in prison. Acts xii.-5 Peter therefore was kept in prison; but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. Note. Many a prison door has been opened by prayer, as here, when it could be opened by nothing else. The disciples in Mary's house. Acts xii.-11 And when Peter was come to him self, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. 12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying. Note.-The prayer of these anxious and helpless believers was answered, even whilst it was being presented. See how able and willing God is to honour and answer his people's prayers! At the sending out Barnabas and Saul. Acts xiii.-2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. Note. When we have to part with friends going forth to distant places, let us commend them in prayer to an everywhere present God. The place of prayer. Acts xvi.--13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river-side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. Paul and Silas in the prison at Philippi. Acts xvi.-25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. Note.-Prayers from a prison reach God's ear, as easily and acceptably as from any other place; nay, being often more true and earnest, they are more than others accepted and answered :—Prayer at the riverside, (v. 13), and prayer in the innermost prison, (v. 25). Paul on parting with the elders of Ephesus. Acts xx.-36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. 37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him; 38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship. Note. When friends and relatives have to part, especially for long seasons or great distances, let united prayer be made to the everywhere present God. The believers on the sea-shore at Tyre. Acts xxi.-5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed, and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. : Note.-How good to see these loving friends thus praying for one another, and giving thanks before they part, only to meet again in heaven! Paul at Jerusalem. Acts xxii.-17 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; 18 and saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. Note.-How often is it upon record that God of old did communicate with his servants when they were in the very act of prayer; and doubtless it is so still, though the communication is not so evident. ROMANS. Paul for spiritual fruit at Rome. Romans i.-9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 10 making request (if by any means now at length I. might have a prosperous journey by the will of God) to come unto you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you, by the mutual faith both of you and me. 13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. Note.-Christ's church and people need to have prayer made for them they need to be kept and built up by the mighty loving power of God, as well as brought at first into that grace wherein they stand. Paul for the Christians at Rome. Romans xv.-13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Note.-All joy and peace, all sorts and a full measure, and the Holy Ghost the author of them ;-The believer warranted to seek all these by prayer not only for himself, but also for others. 2 CORINTHIANS. Paul for the Corinthian Christians. 2 Corinthians ix.-10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower, both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness. Note.—There is a kind of scattering that wasteth not a man's store, but increaseth it. May the blessings of the Lord make us rich! Paul regarding the thorn in the flesh. 2 Corinthians xii.-7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Note.-God's people may entreat the Lord earnestly and repeatedly for deliverance from sufferings and temptations, yet so as having a perfect conviction |