Acts 3:1-10
The first lesson in Acts that we learned from the early church is how to handle situations when people want to argue with us or make accusations when we are trying to share the Gospel. We don’t respond in anger and we don’t let ourselves get misdirected. We proclaim Christ. Christ crucified, dead, buried, resurrected, and ascended.
Then, last week, we saw that the early believers enjoyed the favor of all people by producing the fruits of the Holy Spirit in their words and their actions. It’s not that people will agree with everything we say, but that we don’t, through our words or actions, give them reason to reject the message of Christ.
Our text today tells of a miracle that God used Peter to perform. This miracle shows us that the Holy Spirit and the power of Jesus’ name are as active in the world as it was before Jesus ascended to Heaven. But now, the work of Jesus is done through His followers that remember their first love.
In this text, we see that Peter and John had to draw the lame man’s attention before they could offer him Jesus. The man was so focused on meeting his physical needs, he couldn’t consider anything else. He was looking everywhere for help instead of focusing specifically on the people who could offer him the help he needed more than anything else. Not just help for his physical needs, but help for his spiritual needs.
June 26 – July 2 Prayers Acts 3:1-10
Sunday, June 26
Sunday, June 26
Acts 3:1 (NIV)
1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon.
Dearest Lord, Because of you, we have a church to worship in and a family with which to worship. For that, we praise you. We confess that we sometimes put other things before you and worshiping together. Forgive us and help us realize the importance of worshiping you together with our brothers and sisters. We ask that you will grow our desire to gather together for worship, fellowship and prayer. In the name of your Son Jesus we pray, Amen.
Monday, June 27
Acts 3:2 (NIV)
2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts.
Heavenly Father, We praise you for who you are! The love, grace, and patience you have for us is amazing! Far too often, we fail to extend the same love, grace, and patience to others and for that, we are deeply sorry. Thank you for your Spirit who is constantly urging us to be more like your Son Jesus. Lord, help us to see the people that society throws away, those that are left somewhere to be someone else’s problem. Help us to see them as your beloved children just as we see ourselves. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
Tuesday, June 28
Acts 3:3–4 (NIV)
3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!”
Lord, You are great and worthy of our praise, in you alone do we trust. We, as your church, have failed to say to our communities, “Look at Us,” and because of that, those outside of our church view us as closed off; unconcerned with the needs of others. Forgive us dear Lord. Forgive us for being “our” church instead of “Your Church.” But, thank you for your abounding love that calls us back to you. Show us ways to be your light that will draw attention your church. Show us ways to say to our community “Look at Us” where we can then tell them, “Look at Jesus.” In His name we pray, Amen.
Wednesday, June 28
Acts 3:5–6 (NIV)
5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
Creator of all, You are greater than all of the things we consider great and important. Forgive us for the times we put money and possessions before you. Forgive us for the times that we think throwing money at a problem is a substitution for showing others the grace and love that you show us. Thank you for trusting us enough to give us the task of reaching others for your Son Jesus. Help us to open our hearts, minds, and, yes, our doors to those that are missing you in their lives. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen
Thursday, June 30
Acts 3:7–8 (NIV)
7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.
We exalt you, our God and our King, we will praise you forever. Forgive us for the times that we don’t reach out to others and the times that we don’t introduce others to the greatest need of all people, Jesus. Thank you for our salvation. Place on our hearts a burning desire to help others become strong in their relationship with Jesus. In His name we pray, Amen.
Friday, July 1
Acts 3:9–10 (NIV)
9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Lord of all, you are gracious and compassionate to all who call on you and we praise you for your mercies. Forgive us for not always praising you and giving you credit for the goodness in our lives. Thank you for your willingness to accept us even though we fail to be your obedient servants. Help us to show others the excitement that a relationship with Jesus brings to our whole being. Fill us with so much amazement at your work in our lives and our church that we can’t help but point people to you in all we say and do. In the name of Christ we pray, Amen.
Saturday, July 2
Lord, we praise you for giving us the example of a day of rest. We thank you for your words of encouragement to continue meeting together as the body of Christ and we look forward to being in your house in the morning with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We ask that you clear our minds and help us hear your spirit calling out to us through the words of your servant. In the name of Christ we pray, Amen.
