Week Thirty-Six: Prayer Still Works
This Week’s Readings
Day 1: Acts 1-3
Day 2: IActs 4-7
Day 3: Acts 8-10
Day 4: Acts 11-14
Day 5: Acts 15-17
Day 6: Acts 18-21
Day 7: Catch up
Reflections
What is that thing you've been praying about that seems impossible?
Why is it so difficult to believe that God is able to do those hard things?
What does your prayer regimen look like? Do you have a routine, or is your prayer time sporadic?
Reflections from The Bible in 52 Weeks by Dr. Kimberly Moore
GraceNotes - My Reflections
Acts 3:6 NIV
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.”
Picture this: Peter and John walk up to the temple, and they’re approached by a man who’s been begging for coins every day because he can’t walk. Now, most of us have been there—not necessarily sitting at the temple gates, but waiting on God for a miracle. We might even expect that miracle to show up as something familiar or expected, like silver and gold.
But in Acts 3:6, Peter flips the script. He says, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” Not only does Peter skip the spare change, but he offers something infinitely better: healing in the name of Jesus. This moment isn’t about what Peter and John don’t have—it’s all about what they do have, which is the powerful name of Jesus.
Here’s the twist: sometimes we think we need what the world offers—money, status, validation. But Peter’s response is a reality check, reminding us that the most priceless thing we carry isn’t what we can buy or earn, but Jesus Himself. And when we offer that—when we speak, pray, or act in His name—we have the power to lift people from hopelessness and help them “rise up and walk.”
So the next time you feel like you don’t have enough to offer, remember this verse. God’s power isn’t about the abundance of silver or gold; it’s about our faith in His name. Let’s take this to heart and use what we do have—our relationship with Jesus—to bless others in ways that silver and gold never could.
Acts 10:34-35 NIV
34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.
Open scene: Peter, a devout Jewish disciple, is visiting a Roman centurion named Cornelius. Now, if this sounds like an awkward “strangers at a dinner party” setup, you’re spot on! Cornelius is the last guy Peter expected to be on God’s guest list. But just as Peter begins his speech, something incredible happens—he has a lightbulb moment. He realizes, “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him.”
Hold up! For Peter, this is a revelation. He’s been raised with strict rules about who’s “in” and who’s “out.” But God, in His infinite wisdom, wasn’t about to let Peter put up walls where He’d torn down barriers. Peter’s like, “God doesn’t play favorites!” This means that, unlike the world’s system, where you might need connections, fancy credentials, or a perfect record, God opens His heart to anyone who seeks Him with a sincere heart. All backgrounds, every personality type, all kinds of pasts—God welcomes them in. He doesn’t judge by our resumes, social circles, or how polished we look on the outside.
So, what does this mean for us? It’s a reminder that we don’t have to be perfect or fit into a mold to be used by God. We might come from different cultures, communities, or life experiences, but God’s love cuts across it all. He sees straight to the heart. So, whether we’re at work, at the PTA, or with friends, let’s remember that God’s acceptance isn’t about status—it’s about our heart posture toward Him. And that’s where the real beauty is.
Acts 20:35 NIV
35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus Himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Now, I know what you’re thinking—more blessed to give than receive? Sometimes it feels like we’re giving everything we’ve got, right? Whether it’s to family, friends, or community, we’re pouring out!
But here’s the thing: giving isn’t just about giving things; it’s about giving yourself. And that’s what makes it blessed. When we give, we’re creating space for God to show up. It’s like God set up this heavenly equation: when we give, He blesses, replenishes, and pours back into us in ways that go way beyond material stuff.
So, think of “giving” as more than just handing over resources. It’s a way of being—an opportunity to share kindness, joy, encouragement, or a listening ear. Whether it’s a quiet prayer for a friend, helping someone through a tough season, or just being present, giving like this creates little “blessed moments” where God does His work.
And guess what? When we live with that open-handed approach, God uses our small acts of kindness to make a big impact. So let’s embrace giving as a way of tapping into God’s joy. Because, just as Jesus said, it’s about blessing others—and trust me, He’ll make sure the blessings come back around!
Hey Ladies! Drop your revelations, thoughts, and those lightbulb "aha" moments right down there in the comment section! Let's create a space to spill the beans on how God is throwing us some divine vibes as we dive deep into His word. Time to share the spiritual tea!
