Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Acts 3:1-10 (NIV)
Peter Heals a Lame Beggar
3 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 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. 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!” 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.” 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. 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.
What are the causes of worship/praise in each situation from today’s texts?
In what ways was praise given in each situation?
In which texts do you find “submissive praise”—praise offered in midst of pain, grief, etc.
What does this say to you about how we worship? What might we add to our worship?
Holy God, there is so much sickness in the world. People are hurting mentally, emotionally and physically and are desperate for You. Lord, I know that You hear the fervent prayers of believers who lay sickness at Your feet and ask for Your miracle of healing. There are people who were supernaturally and miraculously healed in only ways that You can heal and it blesses them and those around them. You have also given us the gift to develop modern medical treatments. Many people have been healed through doctors and medical science and felt the compassion of those serving in that field. There are other times when You choose to say no and healing is not in Your plan. But even in those situations, You can use our illness or disability to bless the lives of others around us as we reflect Your light in the midst of affliction. Lord help me to rest in Your character and trust in Your plan for my life, even when it isn’t the answer that I want and trust that You know what is best for my life. Help me to praise and thank You when You do answer my prayers and heal my inflictions. Help me to continue to share Your love and praise Your name through all adversities as a witness to Your goodness and everlasting love. You are good all the time. Amen