Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.
Morning Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we awaken to Your light, guide us to follow the path of Your disciples, who with unwavering belief witnessed the first miraculous healing. Bless our hearts with the spirit of compassion and grant us the wisdom to see and serve those in need around us. Through Your grace, may we become instruments of Your peace. Amen.
Evening Prayer: Lord of Mercy, as the stars shine above, we reflect on the transformative power of faith shown by Your apostles. Help us to end our day in gratitude for the blessings received and in prayer for those still seeking solace. May our rest be filled with the peace that comes from trusting in Your divine will. Amen.
Day 1: The First Miracle by Peter and John (Acts 3:1-10)
Reading: Acts 3:1-10
Devotional: As we delve into the account of Peter and John healing the crippled man at the temple gate called Beautiful, we see the power of faith in action. This man, who had been crippled from birth, represents the brokenness we all experience in some form. Today, reflect on the areas of your life where you yearn for healing. Remember that through faith in Jesus Christ, there is hope for restoration.
Reflection Question: What does this miracle teach you about the potential of faith to transform lives?
Prayer Prompts: Healing Faith, Wholeness in Christ
Day 2: Faith and Authority in Christ's Name (Acts 3:11-16)
Reading: Acts 3:11-16
Devotional: As the onlookers express amazement at the healing, Peter redirects their attention to Jesus Christ, the source of their authority and power. It's essential to recognize that our ability to impact others comes not from our strength but from Christ within us. Consider how you can give credit to Jesus in your own acts of service and kindness.
Reflection Question: How can you use your life to point others to Jesus, acknowledging Him as the source of your strength?
Prayer Prompts: Christ's Authority, Glorifying Jesus
Day 3: Repentance and Refreshing (Acts 3:17-20)
Reading: Acts 3:17-20
Devotional: Peter calls the people to repentance, promising that times of refreshing will come from the Lord. The invitation to turn away from sin and towards God is always open. Spend time in prayer asking for forgiveness and for the refreshment that comes from being in God's presence.
Reflection Question: What does repentance look like in your life, and how do you experience God's refreshing presence?
Prayer Prompts: Repentant Heart, Spiritual Refreshment
Day 4: Proclaiming Christ in Word and Deed (Matthew 10:7-8)
Reading: Matthew 10:7-8
Devotional: Jesus instructed His disciples to heal the sick and proclaim the kingdom of heaven. This command continues for us today. Reflect on how you can be a vessel for His healing power, both in your words and actions.
Reflection Question: In what practical ways can you bring healing and hope to those around you while proclaiming the good news of Jesus?
Prayer Prompts: Healing Love, Kingdom Proclamation
Day 5: Boldness in Faith (Hebrews 11:1)
Reading: Hebrews 11:1
Devotional: Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. The miracle performed by Peter and John was rooted in this bold faith. As we conclude our reading plan, meditate on the role of faith in your life. Pray for the courage to act boldly, trusting that God is working through you to accomplish His purposes.
Reflection Question: How can you exercise bold faith in your daily life, trusting in God's promises and provision?
Prayer Prompts: Foundation of Faith, Boldness in Action
Conclusion of the Devotional: Throughout this series, we have seen the extraordinary power of faith exemplified by the Apostles. Let us move forward, using the insights gained from Peter and John's example to be instruments of God's healing grace. May we step out in the authority of Christ's name, bringing hope to those around us. Amen.
-
Reflection Question #1: How can the story of the first healing by the disciples inspire us to greater acts of faith in our own lives?
Reflection Question #2: In what ways does the narrative of Peter and John at the temple gate challenge us to rethink our understanding of miracles and healing?
Reflection Question #3: How might we offer spiritual and emotional healing to those around us who suffer from loneliness, despair, or grief?
Reflection Question #4: How does the story of the apostles' faith and action at the temple gate inform our own mission as followers of Christ today?
Reflection Question #5: How can we hold onto hope and continue to trust in God's plan when prayers for healing seem to go unanswered?