How can we incorporate prayer and blessing in our daily decision-making? Setting the Scene: Acts 6:6 “ They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.” What We Learn in a Single Verse - Prayer and blessing were the first response to a major decision. - The apostles paused for divine guidance before action. - Laying on of hands expressed trust in God’s empowering, not mere human endorsement. Recognizing Decision Points as Holy Moments - View every choice—big or small—as an opportunity to honor Christ. - Pause: let the Spirit interrupt hurried thinking. - Remember Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” Inviting God Through Prayer Before Deciding 1. Stop: name the decision aloud to God. 2. Seek: ask for wisdom (James 1:5). 3. Listen: hold silence long enough to sense scriptural prompts or inner conviction. 4. Confirm: compare any impression with Scripture’s clear teaching (Psalm 119:105). 5. Act: move forward in faith, not fear (Philippians 4:6-7). Blessing the Choice and Those Affected - Speak blessing over people involved—family, coworkers, friends. - If appropriate, place a hand on a shoulder; if not, bless verbally: “May the Lord grant you favor and peace.” - Remember Numbers 6:24-26—the priestly blessing still carries weight. Practical Daily Rhythms • Morning planning: dedicate appointments, tasks, and emails to God’s oversight. • Mid-day checkpoint: brief two-minute prayer to realign motives. • Evening review: thank God for guidance received; note where prayer was skipped. Scripture Echoes of Prayer-Saturated Decisions - Joshua 9:14—Israel’s leaders “did not seek the counsel of the LORD” and suffered; a warning. - Nehemiah 1-2—prayerful waiting before approaching the king led to favor. - Acts 13:3—“After fasting and praying, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.” Prayer plus blessing launches mission. Encouragement for the Journey - God delights to steer hearts that stay surrendered (Psalm 32:8). - Consistency grows through small, repeated acts; don’t despise brief prayers. - Expect peace to guard decisions when prayer and blessing precede them (Colossians 3:15). |
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