Acts chapter 3 verses 1-8 (NIV)
One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.
Peter and John were heading to the Temple for the 3pm hour of prayer. The biblical hours of prayer were 9am, noon, 3pm, 6pm and 9pm. These prayer hours helped cultivate a disciplined spiritual life, fostering dependence on God and continuity with Jewish heritage. But a thought struck me. What if Peter and John were having an off day and had decided not to go and pray? The disabled man may have missed his opportunity. People who were at the Temple that day would have missed a miracle. Many people believed that day. All because Peter and John went to pray.
Sometimes it’s good to set ourselves a time. We don’t always feel like praying. A very wise person used to tell me that she did this because if she waited till she felt like praying, she would never pray. I think I am like that. I like timetables. I used to work best at work with timescales and targets, otherwise I could be guilty of procrastinating. Therefore if I get into a habit of setting a time to pray, then the habit will stick. And who knows what God will choose to do through us when we come before Him at our hour of prayer.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the example of the hours of prayer at the Temple. You ordained these so people would cultivate the habit of prayer. And because Peter and John went to pray, a man’s life was changed forever. Lord may I be faithful in prayer so that I can be a useful vessel in your hands. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.