Acts 1: Waiting in One Accord

Scripture

Acts 1:12–14 (NIV)

Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. 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. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Scripture Reflection

After witnessing Jesus ascend into heaven, the disciples obeyed His command: they returned to Jerusalem and waited. They did not wait passively but gathered in the upper room in one accord, devoting themselves to constant prayer. Together, they held onto Jesus’ promise of the coming Holy Spirit, leaning into prayer and unity until the power of God would come upon them.

This posture is instructive for all who long for revival. Before Pentecost, there was waiting. There was humility. There was agreement in prayer. In seasons of preparation, God often calls His people to an upper-room posture — to gather, to agree, to cry out together for His promised outpouring.

Every genuine revival in history, while unique in its details, has begun in the same way: God’s people devoted themselves to extraordinary prayer, waiting on Him. Whether the Azusa Street Revival, the Welsh Revival, the East African Revival, the First and Second Great Awakenings, or the Hebrides Revival — each was birthed through believers coming together, setting aside time and distraction, and seeking God’s face with passionate, unified prayer.

For those who have signed the New England Revival Covenant, this moment resonates deeply. We are a people who wait with expectancy, who pray in one accord, believing God will fulfill His promises and pour out His Spirit in fresh and powerful ways.

Praying it UP / IN / OUT

UP: Praise God for His faithfulness to fulfill His promises. Worship Him as the One who sends His Spirit to empower His people for His mission.

IN: Pray for a heart of expectancy and patience. Ask God to teach you to wait well — to cultivate rhythms of prayer, humility, and unity in your own life.

OUT: Intercede for the church across New England to embrace an upper-room posture: gathered, united, and fervent in prayer for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit that will transform communities and cultures.

Closing Prayer

Faithful God,

You called Your people to wait in the upper room with expectancy and unity, and You did not disappoint them. Thank You for Your promises that never fail.

Teach us to wait on You. 

Make us a people of patient, fervent prayer. 

Unite us in heart and mind, so that we might be ready for the fullness of Your Spirit’s power.

We pray for Your church across New England: gather us, humble us, align us, and prepare us for the mighty move of Your Spirit that will revive the region for Your glory.

Keep us gathered, praying, and waiting, until the fire falls,
and the promise is fulfilled,

Amen.