Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, (Acts 4:1)
Lord, even today the message that Peter and John spoke is disturbing to many church leaders and government officials.
being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. (Acts 4:2)
Peter and john taught the people and preached your resurrection from the dead, Jesus. Please raise up many throughout the Episcopal Church and this diocese who will preach that same message. Let this teaching be proclaimed with power at the Diocesan Convention.
And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. (Acts 4:3)
Father, thank you for the high honor you gave Peter and John — they were arrested and put in custody for preaching Jesus’ resurrection.
However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand. (Acts 4:4)
Thank you, Holy Spirit, for all those who believed Peter and John’s message. In our day bring many to a saving knowledge of what Jesus has done for them.
And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. (Acts 4:5-6)
Holy Spirit, transform the meetings of the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church.
And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?” (Acts 4:7)
Holy Spirit, move the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church to ask the same question of your faithful witnesses.
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:” (Acts 4:8 )
Peter was filled with your Holy Spirit, Jesus, when he gave his witness. Fill us up as well so that we can give our witness to what you have done for us.
“If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him this man stands here before you whole.” (Acts 4:9-10)
Father, please help us comprehend the power of the name of Jesus.
“This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:11-12)
Jesus, don’t let anyone in this diocese fudge this one: there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we can be saved. Thank you.
Sunday: 148, 149, 150 * 114, 115; Exod. 18:1-12: 1 John 2:7-17: Mark 16:9-20
HC: 98 or 98:1-5; Acts 4:5-12 or Micah 4:1-5; 1 John 1:1-2:2 or Acts 4:5-12; Luke 24:36b-48
Monday: 25 * 9, 15; Exod. 18:13-27: 1 Pet. 5:1-14: Matt. (1:1-17),3:1-6
Notes from the Front Line
Lift High the Cross http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nGaT8QnYRE
Hillsong – Worthy is the Lamb http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXNRbpZpe3o&feature=related
***** Start now reading and reflecting on the lessons for next Sunday so that you can receive all that God has for you (Psalm 23 or 100; Acts 4:(23-31)32-37 or Ezekiel 34:1-10; 1 John 3:1-8 or Acts 4:(23-31)32-37; John 10:11-16).
Albany Intercessor
Lent & Beyond 