God’s Strengthening Word: Being Renewed by the Holy SpiritNäide

Introduction

Acts 4:23–37: Peter and John return to the other followers and report what the Council had said. The believers join together and pray for boldness to speak the Lord’s message. They continue to meet and pray and share their possessions so that no one would be in need.

Today’s Key Verse: Acts 4:31b

They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to proclaim God’s message with boldness.

Reflect

Describe the believers’ prayer (verses 24–30). What happened immediately after they prayed? Have you ever experienced the power of the Holy Spirit while praying? If so, how would you describe it? In verses 32–37 we learn that, from the beginning, the believers met to pray and share their possessions. Does your community of faith try to apply this example? How?

Pray

Almighty God, you are master and creator of heaven, earth, and sea and all that is in them. Empower me to speak your message with boldness and to share what I have with those in need. God of wonder and miracles, I pray in the name of your Son Jesus. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Acts 5:1–16: Two followers try to deceive the apostles.