Behold, He is Praying – Acts 9:1-19

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August 18, 2026

Behold, He is Praying – Acts 9:1-19

Listen to last week’s sermon Behold, He is Praying found in Acts 9:1-19.

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In the sermon “Behold, He is Praying”, Pastor Eric begins by highlighting the life of a man who profoundly shaped Christianity—Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul. Despite being a persecutor of the church, Saul became one of its greatest champions. His transformation is a testament to the power of God’s grace and the importance of prayer in a believer’s life. The sermon focuses on the moment in Acts 9 when Saul encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus and transitions from persecuting Christians to becoming a man of prayer. The title, “Behold, He is Praying,” encapsulates the evidence of Saul’s transformation and serves as a call for believers to renew their commitment to prayer.

Saul’s Background and Mission

  • Saul was a zealous persecutor of Christians, seeking to eradicate the faith by arresting and even killing believers.
  • His mission was to stop the spread of Christianity, which he saw as a threat to his religious beliefs.
  • Despite his opposition, God had a plan for Saul, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of His grace.

The Damascus Road Encounter (Acts 9:1-9)

  1. Saul’s Journey to Damascus
    • Saul, full of rage and intent on harming Christians, is stopped by a sudden, divine intervention.
    • A light from heaven flashes around him, and he hears the voice of Jesus asking, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
    • This moment marks the beginning of Saul’s transformation.
  1. Jesus’ Personal Connection to His Church
    • Jesus identifies Himself with His followers, saying, “Why do you persecute me?”
    • This highlights that any attack on the church is an attack on Jesus Himself.
    • Believers can take comfort in knowing that Jesus takes their struggles personally.
  1. Saul’s Helplessness
    • After the encounter, Saul is blinded and must be led by others into Damascus.
    • This physical blindness symbolizes his spiritual state and his newfound dependence on God.

Ananias’ Role in Saul’s Transformation (Acts 9:10-19)

  • God calls a disciple named Ananias to go to Saul and restore his sight.
  • Ananias is initially hesitant, knowing Saul’s reputation as a persecutor.
  • However, God assures him, saying, “This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles.”
  • Ananias obeys, lays hands on Saul, and prays for him. Saul’s sight is restored, and he is filled with the Holy Spirit.

The Significance of Prayer in Saul’s Transformation

The phrase “Behold, he is praying” is a powerful declaration of Saul’s changed heart. Pastor Eric identifies key characteristics revealed by this statement:

  1. A Changed Heart

    • Prayer is the evidence of Saul’s transformation.
    • A praying person is someone who has surrendered to God and is no longer a threat to others.
    • Prayer reflects humility, dependence on God, and a heart aligned with His will.

  1. Commitment to Following Jesus

    • Saul’s prayer life signifies his desire to become more like Jesus, who modeled, practiced, and taught prayer.
    • Jesus’ life was marked by prayer, and Saul’s commitment to prayer shows his alignment with Christ’s example.

  1. Walking in God’s Strength

    • Isaiah 40:31 teaches that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.
    • Prayer empowers believers to face life’s challenges, whether in moments of victory, perseverance, or daily faithfulness.
    • Saul’s dependence on prayer reflects his reliance on God’s strength rather than his own.

The Power and Necessity of Prayer

Pastor Eric emphasizes that prayer is not just an activity but a vital part of the Christian life. He challenges believers to renew their commitment to prayer, highlighting several key points:

Jesus Modeled Prayer

    • Jesus prayed before major decisions, during times of temptation, and for His disciples.
    • He continues to intercede for believers, as seen in Hebrews 7:25.

Prayer as the Solution to Life’s Challenges

    • Many of life’s problems have already been addressed by Jesus, with prayer as the prescribed solution.
    • Examples include praying for wisdom (James 1:5), provision (Matthew 6:11), unity (John 17:23), and revival (2 Chronicles 7:14).

The Church’s Need for Prayer

    • A prayerless church relies on human effort rather than God’s power.
    • Pastor Eric quotes Leonard Ravenhill: “When a church is not praying, it’s playing.”

“The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer.” FB Meyers

Watch sermon here: 

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