Day 6

Readings and Thoughts for Friday, February 8, 2008
Acts 3:1-10 Peter Heals a Crippled Beggar

“The path toward significant prayer is a way that goes straight through, not around, human misery.” - William Willimon

Peter and John and members of the community are on their way into the temple, which is crowded with people. Probably they walk right past the seated man on their way to the entrance, but the beggar calls out to them. Then they stop and look – they really look; they look “intently.” How often do we walk past the disabled and not really see them? I’ve always wondered about this scene. Were John and Peter conversing on their way into worship? Were they trying to solve some problem in the community? Why did they miss paying attention to this man until after they are nearly past him, until after he has called to them for alms? We don’t really know, of course, but I think it’s a helpful reminder that even the best of us, when doing the best of things, can sometimes overlook something or someone that is important to God.

The healing the man receives from the apostles is “in the name of Jesus.” The power does not come from them, but only through them. You do not have to be an apostle to serve as a vessel for this power. Jesus commissioned the twelve, giving them “power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases (Luke 9:1-6).” But he also extended his power further, sending out 70 to be in ministry (Luke 10:1-16). When they returned, they told him, “Even the demons are subject to us in your name!” The name of Jesus is not a magic incantation, but the power to heal really does come from Jesus through the Holy Spirit. It is his power; it is in his name. And this power is not vested in just a special few, but you too can be an instrument of it. This is one purpose of your daily prayer life - becoming a better vessel for the power of the Holy Spirit to work through you.

The life of prayer does not just draw you inside, closer to God in your heart. Prayer also draws you out of yourself and into the world – a world in which God may empower you to bring healing to others.

When have you experienced giving or receiving healing prayer?