Praypal - Mary After The Resurrection

Acts 1:3-14

Picture the scene. Jesus has been resurrected. He appears, off and on over forty days, to his disciples—both the chosen Twelve and other men and women. On the last day—although the disciples didn’t know it was the last—he gives them some instructions and then ascends into the clouds.

If you had been there, how long would you have stood, staring off into the sky in amazement? For those who actually were there, it must have been a while, because two angels had to come and tell them to stop staring into the empty sky!

There’s a good chance that Jesus’ mother Mary was among those staring into that sky. She definitely was with the group when they were all in a room together later. What were they all doing there? Waiting for God to say, “Go!”

The instructions that Jesus gave right before he rose into the heavens were specific. He told his followers that they soon would be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Once that happened, they were to go out, to the ends of the world, and tell others about Jesus.

Jesus’ followers knew exactly what they were supposed to do, but they had to wait for one thing, one very important thing, to happen first. They had to wait for the Holy Spirit. When would he show up? Soon.

Soon? How soon? Soon is a relative term. Later that day? Next week? In two months? They didn’t know, but they did know one thing they could do while waiting.

Mary and all the others could pray and spend time with God—asking him questions, listening to his answers—until the Holy Spirit came. And that’s what they did. “They all met together and were constantly united in prayer.”

About ten days later, when the Holy Spirit arrived on the Day of Pentecost, they were ready. They had spent time praying, growing closer to God and each other.

When you have something you’re going to do because God has told you to do it, praying about it is an important step. During your prayers, ask questions and listen for answers, so you’re ready when the time comes to act.

They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.

Acts 1:14