Daily Prayers

Prayer is Love, I want to Love

Healing Of A Lame Beggar

Jesus’ Life: Chapter 20 – Early Spread Of Gospel By the Disciples

Peter and John were probably close friends from their youth. They worked together as fishermen on the Sea of Galilee (Luke 5:10), shared a common desire to “Find the Messiah” (John 1;41), were baptised by John, prepared the Last Supper together for Jesus (Luke 22:8), went to Annas’ courtyard together (John 18:16) and ran together to the empty tomb on Easter Sunday morning (John 20:6).

Peter heals lame beggar

On this occasion, they were on their way to the Temple in Jerusalem for three o’clock afternoon prayers. As they approached, helpers carried and placed a man, crippled from birth, at the temple gates where he could beg for alms; it was his daily routine. As Peter and John passed by, he asked them for money. They both looked directly at him and Peter said, “Look at us,” to get his complete attention, and added, “I have no silver or gold, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, stand up and walk!” (Acts 3:4-6)

Peter then took the man by the right hand and raised him up. At the same time, the man’s feet and ankles “were made strong” and he began to walk unaided.

As the joyous man entered the temple courts, he celebrated, “leaping and praising God”. (Acts 3:8) Those present immediately recognised the man; they were astonished and amazed at what had happened and as they gathered around him, he held on to Peter and John’s clothing.

Peter said to the crowd:

  • “Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this? Why do you stare at us as if we had made this man walk by our own power or piety?
  • The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our forefathers, has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and rejected in the presence of Pilate after he had decided to release him.
  • But you rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a man who was a murderer be released to you. You killed the Originator of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this fact we are witnesses!
  • But the things God foretold long ago through all the prophets – that his Christ would suffer – he has fulfilled in this way. Therefore repent and turn back so that your sins may be wiped out”. (Acts 3:12-15, 18-19) (Acts 3:1-26)
Thought

The two Apostles, Peter and John, were emphatic in attributing the miraculous healing of the lame beggar to the working of “Jesus Christ, the Nazarene”.

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory”. (Psalm 115)

Reflection

Lord Jesus, we trust in You. You are our help and our shield. Bless and guide us Lord, you who made heaven and earth. Amen. (Psalm 115)

Prayer: The Lord is My Shepherd
Outline sketch of shepherd with a staff and a lamb

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in pastures green,
He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and kindness will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen.