In Acts chapter ten the Word of God teaches us about Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian band, and God’s answer to his prayer. This man feared God, and his actions proved that he truly did fear God.

Peter is the apostle used of the Lord to preach Jesus Christ to this man; but the method in which they are brought together is through prayer. Please note:

A Time for Prayer is Important
While it is true that, “Men ought always to pray” and we are to, “Pray without ceasing,” this story clearly teaches us that the first century believer Peter and that some of the first century unbelievers, such as the centurion, valued the hour of prayer. Both of them had set hours during which they prayed.

The importance of setting a time to pray is not about ritual or tradition, although there were set times for prayer for the Jews. There is a great application in this story for believers of this time. It is about the importance of God and our devoting of time to Him. Prayer is more about God than it is about us. Prayer is about our Father, Who is in Heaven. Prayer is about the holiness of His name, His kingdom, and His will before it is ever about our needs or wants. If we expect to be individuals who pray consistently throughout the day, then we must prime the pump by having a set time where we meet with the LORD alone each day.

The Trance in Prayer is Important
Now, before you go off the deep end, I am not speaking of some crazy, charismatic feeling that one gets when he or she prayers; but I do believe that prayer is NOT a one-way avenue to God. Prayer is a two-way street. Though the Word of God is clear that there is no need for those things that are “in part” because we have that which is perfect in the Word of God, we are told that the Holy Spirit will bring things to remembrance of what Christ has said unto us (John 14:26). In other words, as we study the Word of God and learn the teachings of Christ, this implants truths in our hearts; and there is no question in my mind that the Holy Spirit prompts our minds during prayer time. Those promptings are in accordance to the very words of Christ; and they must be acted upon immediately.

The Treasure in Prayer is Important
It is a great pleasure and treasure when the Lord uses us to meet someone’s need, even though we had no idea the need existed. There is one Person who knows the need; and He also knows the person who He wants to fill that need. The common Person, Who joins Peter and Cornelius in this story, is God.

It is humbling to consider how many believers are NOT being used of the Lord to take the Gospel to unreached people groups because they:
- Don’t have time for prayer.
- Don’t obey the trance or direction of the Lord from His Word through prayer.

Peter obeyed the call to go to Caesarea. Paul obeyed the call to Macedonia. Christ obeyed the call to the Cross. What about you? <strong>Where is God desiring to send you so that the Gospel might be heard clearly?