"And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord. Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner."
Today's quote relates the miracles the Holy Ghost performed through the work of Peter and the other Apostles.
We also read in today's quote that by praying for her, Peter invoked the power of the Holy Spirit which restored life to Tabitha. Those miracles caused many more people to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ.
It is important to note that before Peter prayed for Tabitha, he made those who had gathered around her leave so that he could pray for her in private.
This action follows from when Jesus instructed Peter and the other Apostles as to how they should pray; "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is IN SECRET; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." (Matthew 6:6)
Peter prayed for Tabitha's life in private, and was rewarded openly when she was resurrected from the dead. After Tabitha had risen, Peter then called in those who had gathered.
Sadly, even after this example and after Jesus gave explicit instructions to the contrary, most "Churches" still teach and practice public prayer.~
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