12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk[C] from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, “Brothers and sisters,[D] the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”
18 (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)
20 “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms:
“‘May his place be deserted;
let there be no one to dwell in it,’[E]
and,
“‘May another take his place of leadership.’[F]
21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”
23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
Sermon Script: Prayers That Shift Destinies
Text: Acts 1:12–26
Opening Declaration
As we gather tonight, I want to remind you of something powerful: prayer is not just a religious activity. It is a divine technology. It is a way of communicating with the Creator of the universe and a channel for enforcing His will upon the earth. Today, we are talking about the kind of prayer that shifts destinies, the kind of prayer that changes the course of your life, your family, and even nations.
Say this with me: “Lord, as I pray today, align my life with Your purpose and release the grace for destiny-shifting encounters!”
Let’s turn to our text, Acts 1:12–26, where the disciples, in a season of uncertainty, demonstrated the power of prayer.
Introduction
The early disciples understood something many of us overlook destiny is too important to be left to chance. They turned to prayer. This was not casual or occasional prayer but focused, united, and intentional prayer.
Acts 1:14 (NIV): “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.”
This was the foundation of the Church’s greatest breakthroughs. Tonight, I want to show you four truths about destiny-shifting prayer from this passage.
1. Prayers of Obedience Align Us with God’s Will
Acts 1:12–14 reveals the disciples’ first response after Jesus ascended: they obeyed His command to stay in Jerusalem.
Acts 1:4 (NIV): “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.”
Beloved, obedience is the foundation of answered prayer. When God gives an instruction whether it’s through His Word, a sermon, or the Holy Spirit, you must align yourself with it. Too often, we pray for God to bless our plans instead of asking Him to align us with His plan. Are there areas in your life where you are struggling to obey God? Maybe it’s a relationship, a calling, or even a simple step of faith. Obedience matters because it is the doorway to divine intervention.
Isaiah 1:19 (NIV): “If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land.”
Illustration: Imagine a sailor navigating a ship. No matter how powerful the ship is, it must align with the compass to stay on course. Prayer aligns us with the compass of God’s will.
Declaration: Say this with me: “Lord, help me obey You fully and align my life with Your divine plan!”
2. Prayers of Unity Create Atmospheres for the Supernatural
Acts 1:14 emphasizes that the disciples were united in prayer.
Acts 1:14 (NIV): “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.”
Unity was the foundation of their prayers. Division is a thief it steals the power of God from our lives and our churches. Jesus Himself prayed for unity:
John 17:21 (NIV): “That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me, and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
When families, churches, or ministries are united in prayer, heaven responds. But where there is division, confusion, or jealousy, the power of God is hindered.
Illustration: Think about firewood. One piece of wood on fire will eventually burn out, but when you gather multiple pieces together, the fire burns brighter and longer.
Call to Action: Is there someone you need to forgive? Is there disunity in your relationships that is hindering your prayers? Let’s release it to God right now.
Prayer: “Father, we release every spirit of disunity and declare unity in families, ministries, and this church. Let Your Spirit flow freely among us.”
3. Prayers of Alignment Unlock Divine Assignments
In Acts 1:24–26, the disciples sought God’s will in choosing Matthias to replace Judas.
Acts 1:24 (NIV): “Then they prayed, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen.’”
Every divine assignment requires divine direction. When you try to make decisions without prayer, you risk delays, detours, and disappointments. Prayer ensures alignment with heaven’s agenda.
Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Let me emphasize this: the most important question you can ask God in prayer is, “What is Your will for my life?” Even Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, prayed,
Luke 22:42 (NIV): “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
Illustration: There was a young man who had two job offers. Instead of rushing to decide, he took time to fast and pray. God directed him to the one that seemed less attractive but turned out to be the door to his destiny.
Call to Action: Have you sought God’s direction for the decisions you’re facing? If not, this is the moment to ask Him.
Prayer: “Lord, align my steps with Your perfect plan. Let me not miss my divine assignment.”
4. Persistent Prayer Prepares Us for Divine Outpouring
Acts 1:14 highlights the disciples’ persistence in prayer. They didn’t pray once and stop; they persisted until Pentecost.
Luke 18:1 (NIV): “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”
Too many of us give up too soon. We pray for a breakthrough, and when it doesn’t come immediately, we stop. Persistent prayer builds capacity for the supernatural.
Illustration: Remember Elijah on Mount Carmel. He prayed for rain seven times before he saw even a small cloud. Persistence brought the breakthrough.
1 Kings 18:44 (NIV): “The seventh time the servant reported, ‘A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea.’”
Call to Action: What is the promise God has given you that you stopped praying for? Pick it up again and keep pressing in prayer until you see the fulfillment.
Prayer: “Father, strengthen me to persist in prayer until I see the fulfillment of every promise You have spoken over my life.”
Conclusion
Let’s recap:
- Obedience aligns us with God’s will.
- Unity creates an atmosphere for God’s move.
- Alignment unlocks divine assignments.
- Persistence prepares us for the outpouring.
Just as the disciples’ prayers ushered in Pentecost, your prayers can shift your destiny. God is ready to move in your life, but He is waiting for you to pray the prayers that align with His purpose.
Final Declaration:
“Lord, as I pray today, let destinies be shifted, assignments be revealed, and Your Spirit be poured out in my life and this church. I declare that I am stepping into my divine purpose, in Jesus’ name, Amen!”
End with Acts 1:14: “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.”
