Table of Contents Introduction Abbreviations Weekly Prayer Bands/Cell Groups... 6

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2 Page2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents... 2 Introduction... 4 Abbreviations... 5 Weekly Prayer Bands/Cell Groups... 6 Week 1: 28 August 3 September Week 2: 4 10 September Week 3: September Week 4: September Week 5: 26 September 1 October Week 6: 2 8 October Week 7: 9 15 October Week 8: October Daily Devotions August 2016 (Day 1) August 2016 (Day 2) August 2016 (Day 3) September 2016 (Day 4) September 2016 (Day 5) September 2016 (Day 6) September 2016 (Day 7) September 2016 (Day 8) September 2016 (Day 9) September 2016 (Day 10) September 2016 (Day 11) September 2016 (Day 12) September 2016 (Day 13) September 2016 (Day 14) September 2016 (Day 15) September 2016 (Day 16) September 2016 (Day 17) September 2016 (Day 18) September 2016 (Day 19)... 49

3 Page3 17 September 2016 (Day 20) September 2016 (Day 21) September 2016 (Day 22) September 2016 (Day 23) September 2016 (Day 24) September 2016 (Day 25) September 2016 (Day 26) September 2016 (Day 27) September 2016 (Day 28) September 2016 (Day 29) September 2016 (Day 30) September 2016 (Day 31) September 2016 (Day 32) September 2016 (Day 33) October 2016 (Day 34) October 2016 (Day 35) October 2016 (Day 36) October 2016 (Day 37) October 2016 (Day 38) October 2016 (Day 39) October 2016 (Day 40) Special Days of Prayer & Fasting Sabbath, 3 September 2016: God s Purpose for His Church Sabbath, 8 October 2016: Transformed by Grace A Suggested Format for United Prayer United Prayer Pointers Revival & Reformation Initiatives Copyright Page & Endnotes

4 Page4 INTRODUCTION Welcome to the Cape Conference 40 Days of Prayer in preparation for our upcoming evangelistic meetings in October It is essential for us to prepare spiritually for these evangelistic initiatives and we pray that these 40 Days of Prayer will aid you in preparing spiritually, in being in tune with God, filled with His Holy Spirit, surrendered to His will and in a position to be used powerfully by God as were the early disciples. We have a number of initiatives planned during our 40 Days of Prayer that we invite you to participate in and benefit from: Initiative #1: A special daily devotion for each of the 40 days Initiative #2: A special programme our prayer bands/cell groups Initiative #3: Two special Sabbaths of prayer and fasting as a Conference During our 40 Days of Prayer we will be walking through the first few chapters of the Book of Acts and seeking to apply the lessons gained prayerfully to our lives as individuals, as churches and as the Conference (You may even consider taking time in your personal devotional life to make a thorough study of the Book of Acts during these 40 days)! As we seek a deeper walk with the Lord personally and as churches in the Conference during these 40 days, it is our prayer that we all may experience the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in our lives and that we may reflect the beautiful character of Christ to the world as we proclaim the gospel message!

5 Page5 ABBREVIATIONS NKJV: New King James Version AA: The Acts of the Apostles by EG White DA: The Desire of Ages by EG White 6BC: EG White Quotation taken from SDA Bible Commentary, Volume 6 7BC: EG White Quotation taken from SDA Bible Commentary, Volume 7 3SP: The Spirit of Prophecy, Volume Three by EG White 1T: Testimonies for the Church, Volume 1 by EG White 5T: Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5 by EG White RH: EG White Quotation taken from The Review and Herald Periodical FE: Fundamentals of Christian Education by EG White CCh: Counsels for the Church by EG White

6 Page6 WEEKLY PRAYER BANDS/CELL GROUPS In preparation for our upcoming evangelistic meetings in October this year, local Church Prayer Bands and Cell Groups are encouraged: To study (before the prayer meeting): (1) the God-given mission of the Church; (2) the essential work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the Church; To earnestly engage in united prayer for: (1) a full consecration to God, and (2) for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our lives and upon our Church, and (3) for both the preparation and harvest of souls into God s kingdom through the initiatives within the Conference and in the world field. In order to aid the study of the abovementioned themes and to guide the praying of the local church prayers and cell groups, (1) the weekly readings, (2) the brief study guide and (3) the suggested prayer format can be used (please note the emphasis during prayer meeting should be on prayer and not on preaching). Please also consider the section of this booklet entitled A Suggested Format For United Prayer as well as the section entitled United Prayer Pointers as you prepare to lead out in the prayer meetings.

7 Page7 WEEK 1: 28 AUGUST 3 SEPTEMBER 2016 Weekly Reading: EG White, The Acts of the Apostles, chapter 1: God s Purpose for His Church Study Guide i : 1. What is God s purpose for the church? Is your church fulfilling that purpose? 2. What would it take for your church to become a house of prayer for all people (Isaiah 56:7)? What changes would have to take place? 3. Joseph and Daniel lived in difficult circumstances, yet they were a source of life to those around them. How is your church bringing life to your community? 4. Israel was privileged to be God s representative to the world. Adventists also believe that they have a special message for the world. Discuss how Israel failed in its mission. Suggested Prayer Format: Welcome/Introduction: 5 Minutes Adoration/Praise: 10 minutes Confession: 5-10 minutes Supplication: 20 minutes Thanksgiving: 5-10 minutes 1 Notes in Preparation for Prayer Meeting/Cell Group: 1 Praying for Rain! A Mini-Handbook for United Prayer, p5: Copyright 2011, 2012, 2014 by Melodius Echo Mason, ARME Prayer Ministries, and Janet Page, associate ministerial secretary for prayer and pastoral families, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

8 Page8 WEEK 2: 4 10 SEPTEMBER 2016 Weekly Reading: EG White, The Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2: The Training of the Twelve Study Guide ii : 1. What type of people did Jesus choose to proclaim the kingdom of God in this world? 2. Why were thousands converted by the words of simple, unlearned people? What does that say to you? 3. Read the prayer of Jesus for His disciples in John 17:6-19. Imagine Jesus praying this prayer for you. What is Jesus calling you to do? Suggested Prayer Format: Welcome/Introduction: 5 Minutes Adoration/Praise: 10 minutes Confession: 5-10 minutes Supplication: 20 minutes Thanksgiving: 5-10 minutes 2 Notes in Preparation for Prayer Meeting/Cell Group: 2 Praying for Rain! A Mini-Handbook for United Prayer, p5: Copyright 2011, 2012, 2014 by Melodius Echo Mason, ARME Prayer Ministries, and Janet Page, associate ministerial secretary for prayer and pastoral families, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

9 Page9 WEEK 3: SEPTEMBER 2016 Weekly Reading: EG White, The Acts of the Apostles, chapter 3: The Great Commission Study Guide iii : 1. What insights did the disciples gain concerning their task and mission during the forty days that Jesus spent with them? 2. Matthew 18:18 says that all authority is given to Jesus in heaven and on earth. What does this mean? How does this benefit you in your work of carrying out the Great Commission? 3. Have you ever won anyone to Jesus Christ by having superior arguments? Share instances when the Holy Spirit has given you just the right approach in talking with someone. 4. God s plan for sharing the Good News with the world depends on people. How can you become more active in taking the gospel to the world? Suggested Prayer Format: Welcome/Introduction: 5 Minutes Adoration/Praise: 10 minutes Confession: 5-10 minutes Supplication: 20 minutes Thanksgiving: 5-10 minutes 3 Notes in Preparation for Prayer Meeting/Cell Group: 3 Praying for Rain! A Mini-Handbook for United Prayer, p5: Copyright 2011, 2012, 2014 by Melodius Echo Mason, ARME Prayer Ministries, and Janet Page, associate ministerial secretary for prayer and pastoral families, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

10 Page10 WEEK 4: SEPTEMBER 2016 Weekly Reading: EG White, The Acts of the Apostles, chapter 4: Pentecost Study Guide iv : 1. Read Acts 2:1-6. What outward signs were given when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in the upper room? 2. Why were the priests unwilling to accept the truth about the source of the Holy Spirit? 3. Contrast ministry with the power of the Holy Spirit and without the power of the Holy Spirit. What kind of ministry is happening in your community? What did the disciples do before the coming of the Spirit? Suggested Prayer Format: Welcome/Introduction: 5 Minutes Adoration/Praise: 10 minutes Confession: 5-10 minutes Supplication: 20 minutes Thanksgiving: 5-10 minutes 4 Notes in Preparation for Prayer Meeting/Cell Group: 4 Praying for Rain! A Mini-Handbook for United Prayer, p5: Copyright 2011, 2012, 2014 by Melodius Echo Mason, ARME Prayer Ministries, and Janet Page, associate ministerial secretary for prayer and pastoral families, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

11 Page11 WEEK 5: 26 SEPTEMBER 1 OCTOBER 2016 Weekly Reading: EG White, The Acts of the Apostles, chapter 5: The Gift of the Spirit Study Guide v : 1. Read John 14:16, 17. What were some of the immediate changes that happened when the disciples received the Holy Spirit? 2. Christ s promise to send the Holy Spirit to His people has not changed. Why is it that many people who claim to be Christians do not live a Spirit-filled life and do not have Spirit-filled ministries? 3. Read John 16:8. Consider how the Spirit reproves the world of sin, teaches about righteousness, and warns about the coming judgment. Suggested Prayer Format: Welcome/Introduction: 5 Minutes Adoration/Praise: 10 minutes Confession: 5-10 minutes Supplication: 20 minutes Thanksgiving: 5-10 minutes 5 Notes in Preparation for Prayer Meeting/Cell Group: 5 Praying for Rain! A Mini-Handbook for United Prayer, p5: Copyright 2011, 2012, 2014 by Melodius Echo Mason, ARME Prayer Ministries, and Janet Page, associate ministerial secretary for prayer and pastoral families, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

12 Page12 WEEK 6: 2 8 OCTOBER 2016 Weekly Reading: EG White, The Acts of the Apostles, chapter 55: Transformed by Grace Study Guide vi : 1. What is sanctification, and how does one obtain it? 2. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:3. How important is our sanctification to God? Will we ever come to the place where we can claim to be without sin? Why is this? 3. Is there anything you have not surrendered to God your heart, intellect, money, time? Make a complete surrender right now and ask Him to fill you completely. Suggested Prayer Format: Welcome/Introduction: 5 Minutes Adoration/Praise: 10 minutes Confession: 5-10 minutes Supplication: 20 minutes Thanksgiving: 5-10 minutes 6 Notes in Preparation for Prayer Meeting/Cell Group: 6 Praying for Rain! A Mini-Handbook for United Prayer, p5: Copyright 2011, 2012, 2014 by Melodius Echo Mason, ARME Prayer Ministries, and Janet Page, associate ministerial secretary for prayer and pastoral families, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

13 Page13 WEEK 7: 9 15 OCTOBER 2016 Weekly Reading: EG White, The Acts of the Apostles, chapter 6: At the Temple Gate Study Guide vii : 1. Why were the people of Jerusalem amazed when Peter and John were able to heal the cripple? How did Peter explain the healing? See Acts 3: Read Acts 4:1-3, 5-7, 10. The boldness of the disciples amazed the priests and religious leaders because just a few weeks earlier the disciples had fled and hid when Jesus had been taken prisoner. What caused the change? Can the same thing happen to you? 3. What would you do if you were ordered by the government not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus? 4. Read the prayer of the disciples in Acts 4: What three things did the disciples ask for in their prayer? Have you ever asked for anything like that? Suggested Prayer Format: Welcome/Introduction: 5 Minutes Adoration/Praise: 10 minutes Confession: 5-10 minutes Supplication: 20 minutes Thanksgiving: 5-10 minutes 7 Notes in Preparation for Prayer Meeting/Cell Group: 7 Praying for Rain! A Mini-Handbook for United Prayer, p5: Copyright 2011, 2012, 2014 by Melodius Echo Mason, ARME Prayer Ministries, and Janet Page, associate ministerial secretary for prayer and pastoral families, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

14 Page14 WEEK 8: OCTOBER 2016 Weekly Reading: EG White, The Acts of the Apostles, chapter 58: The Church Triumphant Study Guide viii : 1. To be the kind of church God wants, it must withdraw from all allegiance with the world. What kind of allegiances do you have that might hinder you from carrying out God s sacred charge? 2. Read the list of names of reformers part way through the chapter. These individuals contributed to the building of God s kingdom. Does your name belong on the list? What more do you need to do to ensure that you are following in the footsteps of the apostles? 3. Make a list of those with whom you have regular contact (e.g., family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and service people). Start the ones you feel may be receptive to Jesus. Begin praying for the people on your list, especially for the starred names, and watch for opportunities to verbally testify about what Jesus has done for you. Ask Jesus to give you a harvest. Suggested Prayer Format: Welcome/Introduction: 5 Minutes Adoration/Praise: 10 minutes Confession: 5-10 minutes Supplication: 20 minutes Thanksgiving: 5-10 minutes 8 Notes in Preparation for Prayer Meeting/Cell Group: 8 Praying for Rain! A Mini-Handbook for United Prayer, p5: Copyright 2011, 2012, 2014 by Melodius Echo Mason, ARME Prayer Ministries, and Janet Page, associate ministerial secretary for prayer and pastoral families, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

15 Page15 DAILY DEVOTIONS We have supplied a special daily devotion for each of the 40 Days of Prayer. Each daily devotion contains: A Bible reading EG White Quotation Lesson(s) Reflection questions Prayer Guide As you will notice, the daily devotions are mainly taken from the Book of Acts and the book by Ellen White entitled The Acts of the Apostles. We pray that you, your church and others who receive the daily devotions will be drawn closer to Christ, assisted in preparing to receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit into your life and be empowered to be a powerful witness for Christ in the time we are living in. As the Holy Spirit directs, please feel free to pass on the daily devotion to others as well.

16 Page16 29 AUGUST 2016 (DAY 1) The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen (Acts 1:1-2 NKJV) IN CONTEXT: Acts 1:1-3 EG WHITE QUOTATION: Christ had finished the work that was given Him to do. He had gathered out those who were to continue His work among men. And He said: "I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to Thee. Holy Father, keep through Thine own name those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, as We are." "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one;... I in them and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me." John 17:10, 11, {AA 24.1} LESSON(S): Jesus wants to continue His work on earth through His Church. REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Are we fulfilling the work (the mission) Jesus has entrusted to us as His Church? Are we as individuals and as a Church reflecting the love of God to the world like Jesus did? PRAYER GUIDE: Let us pray for an earnest desire, personally and among the members of the Church, to continue Christ s work on earth by becoming co-workers with Him. Let us pray that God will do a powerful work of transformation in our lives by His grace in order that we may reflect His character to our families and to the world.

17 Page17 30 AUGUST 2016 (DAY 2) 3 to whom [the apostles] He [Jesus] also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. (Acts 1:3 NKJV) IN CONTEXT: Acts 1:1-3 EG WHITE QUOTATION: For forty days Christ remained on the earth, preparing the disciples for the work before them and explaining that which heretofore they had been unable to comprehend. He spoke of the prophecies concerning His advent, His rejection by the Jews, and His death, showing that every specification of these prophecies had been fulfilled. He told them that they were to regard this fulfillment of prophecy as an assurance of the power that would attend them in their future labors. "Then opened He their understanding," we read, "that they might understand the Scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." And He added, "Ye are witnesses of these things." Luke 24: {AA 26.2} During these days that Christ spent with His disciples, they gained a new experience. As they heard their beloved Master explaining the Scriptures in the light of all that had happened, their faith in Him was fully established. They reached the place where they could say, "I know whom I have believed." 2 Timothy 1:12. They began to realize the nature and extent of their work, to see that they were to proclaim to the world the truths entrusted to them. The events of Christ's life, His death and resurrection, the prophecies pointing to these events, the mysteries of the plan of salvation, the power of Jesus for the remission of sins--to all these things they had been witnesses, and they were to make them known to the world. They were to proclaim the gospel of peace and salvation through repentance and the power of the Saviour. {AA 27.1} LESSON(S): Jesus prepared His disciples for the special work that He had entrusted to them. Jesus will also prepare us for the special work He has entrusted to us. As Jesus explained the Scriptures to the disciples in the light of all that had happened, their faith in Him was fully established. {AA 27.1} Jesus is able to fully

18 Page18 establish our faith in Him by giving us a deep understanding of the Word of God through the ministry of the Holy Spirit (See John 16:13-14). Like the disciples, we also need to come to a realization of the nature and extent of the work entrusted to us by Jesus: to proclaim to the world the truths of God s Word (AA 27) entrusted to us as Seventh-day Adventists (For example, Revelation 14:6-12). REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Is my faith in Christ fully established and founded upon the eternal Word of God? Am I setting aside quantity and quality time in God s Word and in prayer in order that our faith in Christ may be fully established? Do I understand the nature and extent of the special work entrusted to us by Jesus for the end-time? If not, do you commit to finding out through personal research and prayer? PRAYER GUIDE: As we take time to study God s Word, let us earnestly pray that God would open our understanding and enable us to understand the Scriptures; let us earnestly pray that our faith in Christ would become fully established. Let us pray that we, like the disciples, may realize the nature and extent of the work Jesus has entrusted to us as God s end-time people (AA 27).

19 Page19 31 AUGUST 2016 (DAY 3) 4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, which, He said, you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now. (Acts 1:4-5 NKJV) IN CONTEXT: Acts 1:4-8 EG WHITE QUOTATION: When Christ gave His disciples the promise of the Spirit, He was nearing the close of His earthly ministry. He was standing in the shadow of the cross, with a full realization of the load of guilt that was to rest upon Him as the Sin Bearer. Before offering Himself as the sacrificial victim, He instructed His disciples regarding a most essential and complete gift which He was to bestow upon His followers--the gift that would bring within their reach the boundless resources of His grace. "I will pray the Father," He said, "and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." John 14:16, 17. The Saviour was pointing forward to the time when the Holy Spirit should come to do a mighty work as His representative. The evil that had been accumulating for centuries was to be resisted by the divine power of the Holy Spirit. {AA 47.1} LESSON(S): Before going out into the world with the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20), Christ instructed the disciples to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit to be poured out on them, the gift that would bring within their reach the boundless resources of His grace (AA 47). And so, we too need to receive the gift and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives before heading out into the world with the gospel! Without the Holy Spirit s power attending our ministry, people will not be converted. REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Am I filled with the Holy Spirit like the early disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit? If not, why could that be?

20 Page20 PRAYER GUIDE: Let us earnestly pray and seek for the infilling of the Holy Spirit in our lives in order for our witness for Christ to be effective.

21 Page21 1 SEPTEMBER 2016 (DAY 4) 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? 7 And He said to them, It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. (Acts 1:6-7 NKJV) IN CONTEXT: Acts 1:4-8 EG WHITE QUOTATION: Just before leaving His disciples, Christ once more plainly stated the nature of His kingdom. He recalled to their remembrance things He had previously told them regarding it. He declared that it was not His purpose to establish in this world a temporal kingdom. He was not appointed to reign as an earthly monarch on David's throne. When the disciples asked Him, "Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" He answered, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power." Acts 1:6, 7. It was not necessary for them to see farther into the future than the revelations He had made enabled them to see. Their work was to proclaim the gospel message. {AA 30.1} Instead of living in expectation of some special season of excitement, we are wisely to improve present opportunities, doing that which must be done in order that souls may be saved. Instead of exhausting the powers of our mind in speculations in regard to the times and seasons which the Lord has placed in His own power, and withheld from men, we are to yield ourselves to the control of the Holy Spirit, to do present duties, to give the bread of life, unadulterated with human opinions, to souls who are perishing for the truth.--review and Herald, March 22, {Ev 702.1} LESSON(S): Jesus has revealed what we need to know regarding the future. Let us study and understand what Jesus has revealed regarding the future but let us, however, not get distracted by getting into that which He has not revealed. We need to stay focused on proclaiming the gospel truth. REFLECTION QUESTION: Do I find myself spending time searching out matters which God in His wisdom has not revealed to us and thereby neglect my present duties, including the duty of proclaiming the gospel to the world?

22 Page22 PRAYER GUIDE: Let us pray for a full surrender of ourselves to the Holy Spirit and a commitment to doing only that which God says is important, which includes proclaiming the gospel to the world.

23 Page23 2 SEPTEMBER 2016 (DAY 5) 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day s journey. 13 And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. (Acts 1:12-14 NKJV) IN CONTEXT: Acts 1:4-8 EG WHITE QUOTATION: As the disciples returned from Olivet to Jerusalem, the people looked on them, expecting to see on their faces expressions of sorrow, confusion, and defeat; but they saw there gladness and triumph. The disciples did not now mourn over disappointed hopes. They had seen the risen Saviour, and the words of His parting promise echoed constantly in their ears. {AA 35.1} In obedience to Christ's command, they waited in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father--the outpouring of the Spirit. They did not wait in idleness. The record says that they were "continually in the temple, praising and blessing God." Luke 24:53. They also met together to present their requests to the Father in the name of Jesus. They knew that they had a Representative in heaven, an Advocate at the throne of God. In solemn awe they bowed in prayer, repeating the assurance, "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." John 16:23, 24. Higher and still higher they extended the hand of faith, with the mighty argument, "It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." Romans 8:34. {AA 35.2} LESSON(S): It is very encouraging to know that Jesus is our crucified and risen Saviour, interceding for us at the throne of God! We have the privilege of presenting our requests to the Father in the worthy name of Jesus, our Saviour, Lord and Representative in heaven.

24 Page24 REFLECTION QUESTION: Do I fully understand and appreciate the promise Jesus gave us in John 16:23-24? PRAYER GUIDE: Let us take time to praise God and appreciate the fact that Jesus is at the right hand of the Father, making intercession for His people. Let us pray for a greater understanding of the privileges we have because Jesus is our Representative and Advocate in heaven (See Hebrews 4:14-16). Let us pray for greater faith to accept what God the Father is willing and able to do for us, in us and through because of Christ.

25 Page25 3 SEPTEMBER 2016 (DAY 6) 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day s journey. 13 And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. (Acts 1:12-14 NKJV) IN CONTEXT: Acts 1:4-8 EG WHITE QUOTATION: As the disciples waited for the fulfillment of the promise, they humbled their hearts in true repentance and confessed their unbelief. As they called to remembrance the words that Christ had spoken to them before His death they understood more fully their meaning. Truths which had passed from their memory were again brought to their minds, and these they repeated to one another. They reproached themselves for their misapprehension of the Saviour. Like a procession, scene after scene of His wonderful life passed before them. As they meditated upon His pure, holy life they felt that no toil would be too hard, no sacrifice too great, if only they could bear witness in their lives to the loveliness of Christ's character. Oh, if they could but have the past three years to live over, they thought, how differently they would act! If they could only see the Master again, how earnestly they would strive to show Him how deeply they loved Him, and how sincerely they sorrowed for having ever grieved Him by a word or an act of unbelief! But they were comforted by the thought that they were forgiven. And they determined that, so far as possible, they would atone for their unbelief by bravely confessing Him before the world. {AA 36.1} LESSON(S): As we seek for the fulfilment of God s promise for the outpouring of the latter rain of the Holy Spirit, like the early disciples let us also humble our hearts in true repentance and confession. Like the early disciples, as we deeply meditate on the pure, holy life of Jesus we will also feel a great desire to witness to the beauty of Christ s character in our own lives, no matter what sacrifices this would require.

26 Page26 REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Am I actively seeking true repentance and confession in my life in preparation for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit? Am I taking quality and quantity time each day to study and meditate on the life of Jesus as given in God s Word? PRAYER GUIDE: Let us pray that the Holy Spirit would search our hearts and reveal to us if there is any sin in our lives which needs to be repented of and confessed. Let us also pray that God would help us to truly confess and forsake any sin the Holy Spirit identifies in our lives (See Proverbs 28:13 & 1 John 1:9) and to accept Christ s righteousness by faith (See Romans 4). Let us pray that God would give us fresh glimpses of Jesus each day as we study and meditate upon Christ s life as given in His Word.

27 Page27 4 SEPTEMBER 2016 (DAY 7) But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:8 NKJV) IN CONTEXT: Acts 1:4-8 EG WHITE QUOTATION: Christ's visible presence was about to be withdrawn from the disciples, but a new endowment of power was to be theirs. The Holy Spirit was to be given them in its fullness, sealing them for their work. "Behold," the Saviour said, "I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." Luke 24:49. "For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Acts 1:5, 8. {AA 30.2} The Saviour knew that no argument, however logical, would melt hard hearts or break through the crust of worldliness and selfishness. He knew that His disciples must receive the heavenly endowment; that the gospel would be effective only as it was proclaimed by hearts made warm and lips made eloquent by a living knowledge of Him who is the way, the truth, and the life. The work committed to the disciples would require great efficiency; for the tide of evil ran deep and strong against them. A vigilant, determined leader was in command of the forces of darkness, and the followers of Christ could battle for the right only through the help that God, by His Spirit, would give them. {AA 31.1} LESSON(S): No argument, however logical will melt hard hearts or break through the crust of worldliness and selfishness (AA 31). It was only through the power and influence of the Holy Spirit attending their labors that the disciples could proclaim the gospel successfully. The same is true today. REFLECTION QUESTION: Do we as a church realize our need of the Holy Spirit to empower us in our proclamation of the gospel or do we simply feel comfortable and content in the fact that our Biblical arguments are logical?

28 Page28 PRAYER GUIDE: Let us pray for a great realization of our need of the Holy Spirit to make our proclamation of the gospel a success. As with the early disciples, let us pray that we will also be used and empowered by the Holy Spirit in a mighty way!

29 Page29 5 SEPTEMBER 2016 (DAY 8) But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:8 NKJV) IN CONTEXT: Acts 1:4-8 EG WHITE QUOTATION: Christ told His disciples that they were to begin their work at Jerusalem. That city had been the scene of His amazing sacrifice for the human race. There, clad in the garb of humanity, He had walked and talked with men, and few had discerned how near heaven came to earth. There He had been condemned and crucified. In Jerusalem were many who secretly believed Jesus of Nazareth to be the Messiah, and many who had been deceived by priests and rulers. To these the gospel must be proclaimed. They were to be called to repentance. The wonderful truth that through Christ alone could remission of sins be obtained, was to be made plain. And it was while all Jerusalem was stirred by the thrilling events of the past few weeks, that the preaching of the disciples would make the deepest impression. {AA 31.2} During His ministry, Jesus had kept constantly before the disciples the fact that they were to be one with Him in His work for the recovery of the world from the slavery of sin. When He sent forth the Twelve and afterward the Seventy, to proclaim the kingdom of God, He was teaching them their duty to impart to others what He had made known to them. In all His work He was training them for individual labor, to be extended as their numbers increased, and eventually to reach to the uttermost parts of the earth. The last lesson He gave His followers was that they held in trust for the world the glad tidings of salvation. {AA 32.1} LESSON(S): One of the reasons for Christ s instruction to His disciples to firstly be witnesses for Him in Jerusalem was due to the fact that the preaching of the disciples would make the deepest impression at that particular period. Although we are called to proclaim the glad tidings of salvation to the entire world (AA 32), we need instruction from Jesus on where to focus our efforts in our upcoming campaigns as He knows just where our preaching will make the deepest impression at this time. REFLECTION QUESTION:

30 Page30 Where do you think the sharing of the gospel will make the deepest impression at the moment in your own context (individually, as a local church and as a local district)? See John 4:34-38 PRAYER GUIDE: Let us pray that the Holy Spirit would open our eyes to see the God-arranged opportunities for sharing the gospel with others individually, as a local church and as a local district.

31 Page31 6 SEPTEMBER 2016 (DAY 9) 9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven. (Acts 1:9-11 NKJV) IN CONTEXT: Acts 1:9-11 EG WHITE QUOTATION: The disciples were still looking earnestly toward heaven when, "behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven." Acts 1:10, 11. {AA 33.1} The promise of Christ's second coming was ever to be kept fresh in the minds of His disciples. The same Jesus whom they had seen ascending into heaven, would come again, to take to Himself those who here below give themselves to His service. The same voice that had said to them, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end," would bid them welcome to His presence in the heavenly kingdom. {AA 33.2} As in the typical service the high priest laid aside his pontifical robes and officiated in the white linen dress of an ordinary priest; so Christ laid aside His royal robes and garbed Himself with humanity and offered sacrifice, Himself the priest, Himself the victim. As the high priest, after performing his service in the holy of holies, came forth to the waiting congregation in his pontifical robes; so Christ will come the second time, clothed in garments of whitest white, "so as no fuller on earth can white them." Mark 9:3. He will come in His own glory, and in the glory of His Father, and all the angelic host will escort Him on His way. {AA 33.3} Thus will be fulfilled Christ's promise to His disciples, "I will come again, and receive you unto Myself." John 14:3. Those who have loved Him and waited for Him, He will crown with glory and honor and immortality. The righteous dead will come forth from their graves, and those who are alive will be caught up with them to meet the Lord in the air. They will hear the voice of Jesus, sweeter than any music that ever fell on mortal ear, saying to them, Your warfare is accomplished. "Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit

32 Page32 the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." Matthew 25:34. {AA 34.1} Well might the disciples rejoice in the hope of their Lord's return. {AA 34.2} LESSON(S): Like the early disciples we also need to keep the promise of Christ s second coming fresh in our minds. It is in the light of Christ s soon return that we need to give ourselves faithfully to His service here on earth, preparing a people to meet their God! REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Is the Second Coming of Christ a reality in our minds or some belief that we mentally assent to but which has not yet impacted our lifestyles? In light of the fulfilments of end-time prophecies, does the knowledge of Christ s soon return inspire you and your church to share the gospel with others while the door of probation is still open? PRAYER GUIDE: Let us pray that Christ s Second Coming will be a reality in our minds and that this wonderful knowledge will inspire us to faithfully do all in our power to share the gospel with others.

33 Page33 7 SEPTEMBER 2016 (DAY 10) 9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven. (Acts 1:9-11 NKJV) IN CONTEXT: Acts 1:9-11 EG WHITE QUOTATION: A New View of Heaven.--What a source of joy to the disciples to know that they had such a Friend in heaven to plead in their behalf! Through the visible ascension of Christ all their views and contemplation of heaven are changed. Their minds had formerly dwelt upon it as a region of unlimited space, tenanted by spirits without substance. Now heaven was connected with the thought of Jesus, whom they had loved and reverenced above all others, with whom they had conversed and journeyed, whom they had handled, even in His resurrected body, who had spoken hope and comfort to their hearts, and who, while the words were upon His lips, had been taken up before their eyes, the tones of His voice coming back to them as the cloudy chariot of angels received Him: "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." {6BC } Heaven could no longer appear to them as an indefinite, incomprehensible space, filled with intangible spirits. They now looked upon it as their future home, where mansions were being prepared for them by their loving Redeemer. Prayer was clothed with a new interest, since it was a communion with their Saviour. With new and thrilling emotions and a firm confidence that their prayer would be answered, they gathered in the upper chamber to offer their petitions and to claim the promise of the Saviour, who had said, "Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." They prayed in the name of Jesus. {6BC } They had a gospel to preach--christ in human form, a man of sorrows; Christ in humiliation, taken by wicked hands and crucified; Christ resurrected, and ascended to heaven, into the presence of God, to be man's Advocate; Christ to come again with power and great glory in the clouds of heaven (3SP 262, 263). {6BC }

34 Page34 LESSON(S): It brought joy to the early disciples to know that their Friend and Saviour, Jesus, ascended to heaven and would be ministering on their behalf in heaven. In light of this, they prayed in the Name of Jesus, having a firm confidence that their prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit would indeed be answered (6BC ). REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Have we experienced the joy of knowing that Jesus, our Friend and Saviour, is lovingly pleading on our behalf in heaven? Have we also experienced the confidence in prayer that the early disciples experienced (See 1 John 5:13-15)? PRAYER GUIDE: Let us praise God that Jesus is ministering for us in heaven (See Hebrews 4:14-16; Hebrews 8:1-2; Romans 8:34). Let us pray for a better understanding of Christ s ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary and all the blessings and privileges we have today as a result of this part of Christ s ministry.

35 Page35 8 SEPTEMBER 2016 (DAY 11) 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day s journey. 13 And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. (Acts 1:12-14 NKJV) IN CONTEXT: Acts 1:4-8 EG WHITE QUOTATION: The disciples prayed with intense earnestness for a fitness to meet men and in their daily intercourse to speak words that would lead sinners to Christ. Putting away all differences, all desire for the supremacy, they came close together in Christian fellowship. They drew nearer and nearer to God, and as they did this they realized what a privilege had been theirs in being permitted to associate so closely with Christ. Sadness filled their hearts as they thought of how many times they had grieved Him by their slowness of comprehension, their failure to understand the lessons that, for their good, He was trying to teach them. {AA 37.1} These days of preparation were days of deep heart searching. The disciples felt their spiritual need and cried to the Lord for the holy unction that was to fit them for the work of soul saving. They did not ask for a blessing for themselves merely. They were weighted with the burden of the salvation of souls. They realized that the gospel was to be carried to the world, and they claimed the power that Christ had promised. {AA 37.2} LESSON(S): Instead of self-exaltation we are called to exalt Christ! We need to realize the sacred responsibility that God has placed upon us to carry the gospel to the world. Realizing the impossibility of accomplishing this task in our own power, we need to earnestly pray for the power that Christ has promised. We need to pray that God would equip us to relate to people in such a way that our words would lead sinners to Christ {AA 37.1} We need to realize our needs of the Holy Spirit that will enable us to witness for Christ effectively. When we truly feel our spiritual need of the Holy Spirit, we will seek for the blessing of the Holy Spirit earnestly.

36 Page36 REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Do I fully understand and accept the responsibility God has given us as His people living in the end times? Do I have a passion to share Jesus with others and see them connecting with Him? Do I realize my need of the Holy Spirit s power and equipping in order to accomplish this great and important task? PRAYER GUIDE: Let us pray that God would help us to understand our responsibility of carrying the gospel to the world. Let us pray that God would give us a burden for the salvation of souls. Let us pray for the Holy Spirit s empowerment, without which we will not be able to accomplish our mission from the Lord.

37 Page37 9 SEPTEMBER 2016 (DAY 12) 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day s journey. 13 And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. (Acts 1:12-14 NKJV) IN CONTEXT: Acts 1:4-8 EG WHITE QUOTATIONS: Putting away all differences, all desire for the supremacy, they came close together in Christian fellowship. {AA 37.1} These days of preparation were days of deep heart searching. {AA 37.2} LESSON(S): Before the latter rain of the Holy Spirit will be poured out on us, we, like the disciples, need to take time to deeply search our hearts. As we sincerely do this, the Holy Spirit will reveal to us any sin(s) that need to be repented of, and which of these sins need to be confessed to God alone and which need to be confessed to others in order to make right with them. In order to be used by God, the Holy Spirit will inspire us to humbly put away all differences contentions and quarrels with our brethren. REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Is there any sin in my life that the Holy Spirit is convicting me of at the moment? Am I at peace with others (as much as depends on me) (See Romans 12:18)? Where possible, have I made right with those I ve wronged (See Acts 24:16)? PRAYER GUIDE: Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will search our hearts and reveal to us any sin(s) in our lives that we need to repent of. Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to help us to put away all differences we may have with our brethren.

38 Page38 10 SEPTEMBER 2016 (DAY 13) When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (Acts 2:1 NKJV) IN CONTEXT: Acts 2:1-4 EG WHITE QUOTATION: The word of God was preached by His ministers in early days "in demonstration of the Spirit and of power." The hearts of men were stirred by the proclamation of the gospel. Why is it that the preaching of the truth has now so little power to move the people? Is God less willing to bestow His blessing upon the laborers in His cause in this age than in the apostles' day? {5T 157.2} The warning which we bear to the world must prove to them a savor of life unto life or of death unto death. And will the Lord send forth His servants to proclaim this fearfully solemn message and withhold from them His Holy Spirit? Shall frail, erring men, without special grace and power from God, dare to stand between the living and the dead to speak the words of everlasting life? Our Lord is rich in grace, mighty in power; He will abundantly bestow these gifts upon all who come to Him in faith. He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him than are parents to give good gifts to their children. The reason why the precious, important truth for this time is not powerful to save is that we do not work in faith. {5T 157.3} We should pray as earnestly for the descent of the Holy Spirit as the disciples prayed on the day of Pentecost. If they needed it at that time, we need it more today. Moral darkness, like a funeral pall, covers the earth. All manner of false doctrines, heresies, and satanic deceptions are misleading the minds of men. Without the Spirit and power of God it will be in vain that we labor to present the truth. {5T 158.1} LESSON(S): Like the early disciples, we need to earnestly and unitedly pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to come upon us. If the early disciples needed the descent of the Holy Spirit, we need it more today (5T 158.1)! Without the Spirit and power of God it will be in vain that we labor to present the truth. (5T 158.1)

39 Page39 REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Are you earnestly praying for the infilling of the Holy Spirit in your own life? Do you realize that it will be in vain to present the truth of God s Word without the power of the Holy Spirit? Are you as a local church earnestly praying for power of the Holy Spirit to come upon you? PRAYER GUIDE: Let us pray that God would convict us of our utter need of the Holy Spirit in our lives and ministry. Let us pray that God would motivate us to continue praying for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit until we receive it!

40 Page40 11 SEPTEMBER 2016 (DAY 14) When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (Acts 2:1 NKJV) IN CONTEXT: Acts 2:1-4 EG WHITE QUOTATION: In these first disciples was presented marked diversity. They were to be the world's teachers, and they represented widely varied types of character. In order successfully to carry forward the work to which they had been called, these men, differing in natural characteristics and in habits of life, needed to come into unity of feeling, thought, and action. This unity it was Christ's object to secure. To this end He sought to bring them into unity with Himself. The burden of His labor for them is expressed in His prayer to His Father, "That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us;" "that the world may know that Thou has sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me." John 17:21, 23. His constant prayer for them was that they might be sanctified through the truth; and He prayed with assurance, knowing that an Almighty decree had been given before the world was made. He knew that the gospel of the kingdom would be preached to all nations for a witness; He knew that truth armed with the omnipotence of the Holy Spirit, would conquer in the battle with evil, and that the bloodstained banner would one day wave triumphantly over His followers. {AA 20.2} LESSON(S): Like the early disciples, in order to successfully carry forward the work Jesus has called us to, we need to come into unity of feeling, thought, and action (AA 20). Christ desires such unity amongst His people. This unity is only possible as we all come into unity with Christ Himself. REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Are we as a local church, local district and Conference united in feeling, thought, and action (AA 20)? If not, we need to come into unity with Christ. Am I personally united to Christ? Am I one with Christ? Am I vitally connected to Him as the branch is to the vine (see John 15:1-8)?