By: Jean-Daniel Plüess
We read in Acts 12:25 and following that in the church of Antioch people were fasting and praying. Those who were gathered came from different parts of the then known world as the names like Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene etc. indicate. As they were praying together the Holy Spirit said to them, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” They continued in their prayers and fast and then laid their hands on the two and sent them off. In the history of Christianity that has happened over and over again, people are being sent by what they recognize as a leading of the Holy Spirit and the support of a praying church. It is a new beginning in their service for their Lord.
Maybe you have not received a specific sending of the Holy Spirit personally, but you see a calling in other people. You can do two things. First, you can pray for people that have received a calling to a particular ministry. Second, as you reflect on the worldwide church, can you also pray for people who have been sent by another church than your own and pray for them?
