Project 119: Acts 9:32-43
| Project 119 | Mary Splawn
The book of Acts is fun to read. It has so much action and intrigue! I am often amazed at the work of God in the lives of the first Christians, one of whom was the most unlikely of protagonists (Paul).
As the disciples seek to do the will of God, exciting ministry ensues. And, intense suffering comes as well. As the good news about Jesus spreads throughout the world, the veil of darkness is pulled back. Jesus’ love and grace are revealed.
Even today, the same is true. The gospel changes people. As we read about how Jesus changes lives in the first century, we will pray for that same gospel transformation in the twenty-first century. This week, each devotional will be a prayer that incorporates truths about God’s character and love that we see displayed in Scripture. As we pray, may our eyes be fixed on Jesus and His saving grace!
This prayer is based on Acts 9:32-43.
Lord Jesus, We begin this week grateful for the amazing grace that You have displayed for us, and the ongoing work that You are doing in our hearts and our world. We thank You for the book of Acts and how it prompts us to think on Your love. The stories of Aeneas and of Dorcas remind us that You are the body healer and soul redeemer.
Often times, we want to take credit for the good that You do in us. Help us instead to take our cues from Peter who got it right in this instance. Instead of receiving glory for healing, he gives credit where credit is due and states to Aeneas, “Jesus Christ heals you.”
Would You work powerfully in and through us as You did in and through Peter? As we trust in You and follow Your footsteps to share the gospel message, we pray that many would turn to You Lord.
Often, we are antsy in our prayers, thinking we know what is best and trying to help You be God. We rush through prayer and add it to the list of things we try to multitask. Teach us from the physical action of Peter who bent down on his knees to pray for Dorcas that we too must be intentional in our prayers. We remember that You are Lord and King, worthy of all reverence and honor and praise and thanksgiving.
Help us to see ourselves in Your story of redemption today. Many in our midst need a touch as did Dorcas. We lift their names to You now.
As we bow our knees, may our spirits also humbly bow, ready and receptive to Your kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. Make us one in our hearts with You, Lord, and give us ministries of reconciliation through Your name, Amen.
For more on praying the Scriptures, read “Pray the Scriptures” by Scotty Smith https://ligonier.org/learn/articles/pray-the-scriptures/.
Acts 9:32-43 (ESV):
32 Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. 35 And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
36 Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. 37 In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” 39 So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.