Reading: “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.” Acts 1:14

A key characteristic of the early disciples was that they were “with one accord in prayer.” The word accord comes from two Greek words, which mean to “rush along” or to be “in unison.” There is in this word the idea of an orchestra, where a number of notes are sounded which, while different, harmonize in pitch and tone.

When we apply that to the church it is obvious that there was spiritual agreement or harmony among the saints of God. All of these believers wanted the same thing. They all wanted to see their Lord glorified and the gospel taken to the nations. They were not in the prayer meeting with different desires, conflicting interests, or opposing concerns. They were not at odds with God or with each other. They were united.

If there is one thing we should fear in church life, it is a church at war with itself. A church full of suspicion and grudges, where believers verbally and emotionally bite and devour each other will be powerless. The Lord commands a blessing where there is unity (Psalm 133).