Acts 4:23-31
Sunday, July 24, 2022
Peter and John went back to their own people after being put in jail, questioned by the Jewish leaders, and ordered not to speak of Jesus anymore. Once back with other believers they told what the leaders had said and then they prayed. They didn’t do what so many of us do when we feel that mistreated by others. They didn’t gripe and grumble about the people who mistreated them; they didn’t talk ugly about the leaders. No, they went back and prayed with the other believers in unity with each other and with God. They didn’t let the threats from the Jewish leaders stop them. They didn’t let the apparent futility of the task God had given them stop them. They prayed.
What they prayed was different from our prayers as well. Often, when confronted with obstacles, we pray and ask God to remove those obstacles. We ask God to smooth the way for us, but that is not what the early church prayed for that day. Together they prayed that God would enable them to speak His word with boldness.
Unlike the early church, we don’t face a threat of crucifixion or being jailed and beaten. The only thing we face is rejection, but we allow that threat to hold us back from speaking Jesus when the Spirit leads us and presents us with an opportunity. We need the boldness that the early believers had if we want to reach our world for Jesus like they did. And, having that boldness means we need to be praying for it in unity with one another and in one accord with each other.
Sunday, July 24, 2022
Acts 4:23-24
23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.
Everlasting God, Creator of the ends of the earth who does not grow tired or weary (Isaiah 40:28,) we praise you. You alone are Sovereign of our lives. You made the heavens, earth and sea, and Lord, you made us. You made us to be your people and to speak of the greatness of Jesus. As we go through this week, help us glorify you in all that we say and do. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen
Monday, July 25, 2022
Acts 4:25-26
25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “ ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one.’
Our hope in you Lord renews our strength (Isaiah 43:31) you alone are Holy and worthy of our praise. You send your Spirit to speak through your people and your people listen for what and when to speak. Sometimes we shrink our witness when in front of those in power, give us the courage to speak of your Son and our Savior Jesus. In his name we pray, Amen.
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
Acts 4:27
27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed.
Lord, we are confident of this, we will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. We wait for you (Psalm 27:13.) There are still those who conspire against you and the message of Jesus. Forgive us when we don’t respond with boldness. Help us stay strong and dedicated to telling others about your Son who loves us all. Let us respond to any ridicule with standfast faith. We love you Jesus and dedicate our lives to serving you, in your name we pray, Amen
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
Acts 4:28-29
28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.
Sovereign Lord, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do? (Deuteronomy 3:24) What a mighty God you are that even those who work against you do so in accordance with your plan. The fact that you include us in your plan is an honor beyond measure. With your Spirit and the power of Jesus let us measure up to the honor of witnessing to others about the greatness of our Savior. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Thursday, July 28, 2022
Acts 4:30
30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
Lord, your outstretched arm created the heavens and the earth, nothing is too hard from you (Jeremiah 32:17.) We know Father that you can do anything. If it is your will to use us to show your greatness to draw people to you, let us not ignore the prompts from your Spirit. Mold our will to your own Lord, In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Friday, July 29, 2022
31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Lord Almighty, you are the King of glory (Psalm 24:10) and your presence shakes our spaces and our lives. We confess that we don’t always open ourselves and allow you to shake us. We like our normal lives Lord and are hesitant to let the Holly Spirit fill us where we can speak of your majesty. Forgive us and help us recognize even the smallest tremors you send. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
Saturday, July 30, 2022
Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord, to him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens, who thunders with mighty voice. Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the heavens. You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God! (Psalm 68:32-35) Father, we anxiously await the opportunity to gather with your saints in worship. As we reflect on this past week Lord, we remember and repent of times when we failed to be the people you call us to be. We praise you for the times that we were able to share with others the joy we have in our relationship with Jesus. We lift up your servant who will bring your word tomorrow. Let our minds be clear to hear your message through them. In the name of Christ, Amen.
