Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, 9are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? 

So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.

Why were the nations so angry? Why did they waste their time with futile plans?26The kings of the earth prepared for battle; the rulers gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah.

 “How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? 

“We must obey God rather than any human authority.

“So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. 39But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!”

Lord God my Father,

Use me, fill me with your spirit and wisdom. Give me courage to boldly do your will and not be quiet in the face of evil desire. Allow you Peace to rest well on me and others who believe and not waste my time on worthless discussion. Keep me from testing you but to simply be obedient to your Truth.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen

 And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.

But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene,3:6a Or Jesus Christ of Nazareth. get up and3:6b Some manuscripts do not include get up and. walk!”

Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. 20Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah.

Lord God my Father,

Use me as a witness of your transforming power. Help me to use my brothers and sisters to keep in your plan together. Help me to call on the name of your son to restore me and inspire others. I turn from my sin nature and to your Loving Grace.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen

Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. 16But God kept them from recognizing him.

But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, 

 “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. 26Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?”

Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 

‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’

 “Mary!” Jesus said.

 “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”

Lord God my Father,

Help me to have a faith that accepts you without condition. Open my heart to take in your plan without the need to know it. Open my mind to your will and protect it from the deceiver. I repent of my past sin, take it so I may be clean and give me strength to avoid compromise. Lord God, allow me to hear you call my name and know you.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”43And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.”

Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body. 

Lord God my Father,

Even the lost know you, use me as you wish to spread your Truth and use your Truth to guide my thoughts. Help me to not hide in the shadows and give me courage to live your desire.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen

The leading priests picked up the coins. “It wouldn’t be right to put this money in the Temple treasury,” they said, “since it was payment for murder.”27:6 Greek since it is the price for blood.

Two revolutionaries27:38 Or criminals; also in 27:44. were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.

But at this point the leading priests stirred up the crowd to demand the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus. 

Lord God my Father,

Expose evils as it lives around me. Keep me in your Truth and protect me from slipping, May your justice be enough. Show us the heart of our leaders.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen

They went off to the city and found everything just as Jesus had said, and they prepared the Passover meal there.

“Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” 

Lord God my Father,

Help me to follow your plan in all it’s wonder, keep me from trying to understand what you are doing and just follow. If I must suffer, help me to keep my focus on your glory and not on my struggle.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 

 “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 

Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”

But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! 

This is my command: Love each other.

“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. 19The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. 

Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me.

May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. 

Lord God my Father,

Open my heart to allow your Peace and Truth to rest on me, allow my heart to rely only on you. Cause me to Seek you first in my thoughts and be obedient to your desire on me. Allow me to rest in your perfect Love and may it become contagious to those around me.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen

“No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same.

Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”

“My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away26:42 Greek If this cannot pass. unless I drink it, your will be done.” 

“You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.”74Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed.

Lord God my Father,

Keep me from arrogance and humble under your authority. Give me courage to do your will in all things. Help me to trust your plan.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen

Matthew 25

“So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.

To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. 

‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’

Lord God my Father,

Help me to stay focused on you and not on the struggles. Give me strength to do your will with what you have entrusted me with and give me opportunities to serve you well in my relationships.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen

Matthew 24

 “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. 10And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. 11And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. 12Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. 13But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.

Lord God my Father,

Help me to stand for you in the most loving way, give me strength to endure the attacks to come, praising you in all things.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen