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Intention

To highlight the importance of worshipping the Lord together before we go out to minister to others.

Scripture

“Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

As they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off.

So being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.”

– Acts 13:1–4

Reflection

In Acts 13:1–4, we discover that the believers at Antioch worshipped the Lord before undertaking any ministry work. This Scripture reveals an important principle — before we minister to people, we must first minister to the Lord.

As the Antioch church worshipped together, then — and likely, only then — did God give confirmation of his call to set apart Barnabas and Saul for ministry. The Holy Spirit spoke, telling the believers to commission two men for ministry which, unknown to them at that time, would “turn the world upside down” (Acts 17:6).

The Holy Spirit sent Barnabas and Saul to specific regions to carry the gospel message not only to the Jews, but to all peoples. Saul, later known as Paul, became instrumental in sharing the message throughout Asia. He was also led by the Holy Spirit to Europe, where he witnessed the first conversions to Christianity there. The Holy Spirit further guided Paul to write a substantial portion of the New Testament.

Throughout my years of ministry experience, I have witnessed how worshipping together as a church community opens us to confirmations from the Holy Spirit that guide us in sharing the gospel message with those God has prepared.

Extended times of communal worship and prayer unlock greater spiritual impact because the Holy Spirit can provide divine direction and send us to those who need and will be more open to hear the gospel message.

For example, during times of worship in prayer rooms, the Holy Spirit has revealed which streets in our city were receptive to street ministry. When our people went out to share, they encountered openness to salvation and prayer!

Barefoot Worship — a prayer, worship and mission ministry in Alice Springs — is hosting 12 hours of worship with the churches of Alice Springs. This event, called Alice Alive, takes place on 13 June at the Council Lawns in the CBD. We believe that times of corporate worship and prayer will have a transformative impact in Central Australia, empowering believers and sending them forth by the Holy Spirit to share the gospel of Jesus Christ — with hearts open to receive salvation.

As we worship the Lord together during this Easter to Pentecost season and beyond, as he did in the church at Antioch, may the Holy Spirit continue to send us out and turn the world upside down once more — so that for the first time in their lives, countless people will encounter Jesus.

Video

Prayer

Heavenly Father, 

We thank you for raising up believers and churches to worship you, and increasing prayer for your mission of reaching the world with the gospel.

We ask you to continue doing as you did in the church in Antioch — sending us out to minister the gospel to others after we seek and exalt you in worship, prayer and fasting. Holy Spirit, speak to us and reveal those who are more open to receiving the message of eternal life in Jesus Christ.

As Paul did in the first century, may your Church “turn the world upside down” once more.

In the mighty name of Jesus, amen.

Author Bio

Stephen Lewin and his wife, Cheryl, have been ministering in Alice Springs and Central Australia for 13 years. Stephen is a member of Barefoot Ministries Australia Inc. and is involved in prayer, preaching, teaching and outreach ministry.

Stephen has a Diploma in Ministry from Southern Cross College and has served in varied ministry roles for over four decades.

Prayer Points for Five4Five 2026

1. Five people to trust in Christ and to share the gospel with those five in May. Matthew 28:19–20

2. Repentance, revival and reformation in Australia and for millions to believe in Jesus Christ. Luke 24:47

3. A Church that grows in extravagant love for God and people. 2 Corinthians 5:14–15

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