Today is October 24.The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 3.
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. Welcome to prayer today. As we begin, take time to consider how you are showing up today... are you showing up like the man who was lame... aware of your own weakness and infirmity? Are you showing up like Peter and John, clearly filled with gifts of faith? OR are you showing up like everyone else... going about their day without a lot of thought...
I love how this text pulls both weakness and faith into the same space. The two meet in this unnamed man, at the gate called Beautiful. Listen again and consider a place in your life that feels weak, or infirm.... and then consider a place where you feel filled with faith.
“Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.” Do you notice that this healing doesn’t happen until AFTER Peter & John help the man up? When they reached down to help him up, he was still lame. Can you imagine that moment of faith and trust in the power of God? Can you invite that kind of faith and trust into your life today?
Music: "Invitation Fountain" - Vineyard Worship
Vineyard Worship | Invitacion Fountain (ft. Kyle Howard & Alexandria Faison) [Official Live Video] 
