Common and Uneducated

Step #1: Lectio / Read

Click the link below or open your Bible to the passage and read through the reading at least once, paying attention to what is happening in the text. 

Acts 4:13-21

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Step #2: Meditatio / Meditate

Use the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).

Observing the boldness of Peter and John
and perceiving them to be uneducated, ordinary men,
the leaders, elders, and scribes were amazed

Are you and I okay being common and ordinary? One of the most beautiful parts of the Acts of the Apostles in my opinion is this moment. Peter and John are being questioned before the leaders of the temple because, while walking into the temple, they told a man who was crippled in the name of Jesus to walk. After Peter responds to their questioning, they are amazed! Why are they amazed? They're amazed at what Peter says, but even more so at who it was that said, for Peter was a simple, regular, uneducated fisherman. 

Think about the things this common fisherman has done in this store. He had the boldness to say in the name of Jesus to a crippled man that he was healed. He stood before the leaders of the temple and amazed them with his words. He is leading a brand new church founded by God who became man and entrusted the whole thing to him. 

If Peter and John are common and ordinary – and they are, or they were before Jesus put them in places and situations they would've never imagined – that is good news for you and I. Sharing the power, the love, and the truth of Jesus isn't left for the extraordinary and the educated. No, sharing the truth of Jesus and bringing his love to those who need it is for you and I just as it was for Peter. 

Today and every day, let's act in the boldness of Peter and John, remembering that Jesus is with us and proclaiming him to those we meet. Don't wait until you feel like you have it together or know the answers – Jesus is with you, and through you he wants to reach the world. 

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Step #3: Oratio / Pray

These questions are to be used to talk to God; have a conversation with the Lord about these questions and what is going on in your heart as you pray today.

What does the boldness of Peter and John look like in your life? 

How is God calling you today to share his love with those you meet and those in your family and friends, even if it's difficult and they'll know you are simply common and uneducated?

Jesus longs to live in your life – this Easter, how are you growing in your relationship with the Resurrected Jesus? Where do you see God moving closer to you right now in your life?

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Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplate

In this step, you listen. Stop talking, let God speak to your heart. You may repeat one of these short phrases to focus your mind on the Lord.

"I am common and uneducated."

"Work in my life."

"Jesus you are enough."

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Step #5: Actio / Act

In light of today's reading and your time spent in prayer with the Lord, what concrete action or actions will you take to let this encounter with the Lord bear fruit in you today?

Take at least one opportunity today to share Jesus' love with someone that you meet or know by loving and caring for them and, if asked, actually telling them about who God is and your love for him. 

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Smartphone Lock Screen

The following image is here for you to save and use as a background or lock screen on your smartphone or device to help you carry today's Lectio Divina with you the rest of the day.

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Today's prayer was prepared by Jason Theobald, Executive Director of Carpe Verbum.

If you have anything you'd like our team to pray for, please go to the page of our website called "Prayers" and let us know how we can pray for you today.