Appointment

In the biblical context, the concept of "appointment" often refers to God's sovereign decision to designate individuals for specific roles, tasks, or purposes. This divine appointment is evident throughout Scripture, where God chooses leaders, prophets, and even nations to fulfill His will.

One of the earliest examples of divine appointment is found in the calling of Abraham. God appointed Abraham to be the father of many nations, as seen in Genesis 17:5: "No longer will you be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations." This appointment was not based on Abraham's merit but on God's sovereign choice and promise.

The appointment of leaders is a recurring theme in the Old Testament. Moses was appointed by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10), and Joshua was appointed as his successor (Deuteronomy 31:23). Similarly, the appointment of judges, kings, and prophets was often accompanied by divine instruction and anointing, signifying God's authority and purpose.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ's appointment is central to the Christian faith. Hebrews 3:1-2 states, "Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house." Jesus was appointed by God to be the Savior of the world, fulfilling the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament.

The apostles were also appointed by Jesus to spread the Gospel and establish the early church. In John 15:16, Jesus tells His disciples, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you."

Prayer

Prayer is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life, serving as a means of communication with God. It is both a privilege and a responsibility for believers, allowing them to express adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication.

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on prayer. In the Old Testament, figures like Daniel and David exemplify a life of prayer. Daniel 6:10 describes Daniel's commitment to prayer: "Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before."

The Psalms are replete with prayers of various kinds, reflecting the full range of human emotions and experiences. Psalm 5:3 states, "In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation."

In the New Testament, Jesus provides the ultimate model for prayer. He often withdrew to solitary places to pray (Luke 5:16) and taught His disciples how to pray with the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). Jesus emphasized the importance of faith and persistence in prayer, as seen in Luke 18:1, "Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart."

The early church was characterized by a devotion to prayer. Acts 2:42 describes the believers as being "devoted to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." The apostle Paul frequently encouraged the churches to pray continually and with thanksgiving (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Prayer is also linked to the concept of divine appointment. Believers are encouraged to pray for God's will to be done and for His guidance in fulfilling their appointed roles. James 1:5 assures believers that if they lack wisdom, they should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.

In summary, both appointment and prayer are integral to understanding God's interaction with humanity. Through divine appointments, God orchestrates His purposes, and through prayer, believers align themselves with His will, seeking His guidance and strength.