Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: April 13,2026

LECTIO - Read Scripture Text:   Acts 4:23-31

After Peter and John were let go, they went to their community and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. When the community heard, they lifted up their voice to the Lord with one accord and said,

 “Lord, thou art God who has made heaven and earth, the seas and all in them. You spoke through your servant David who said:

Why did the heathen rage

and the people imagine folly?

The kings of the earth rose up

And the rulers were gathered together

Against the Lord and against His Christ.

Against you holy Son whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel were gathered together to do that which your hand and your will determined long ago. And now, Lord, behold their threats. Grant that your servants may boldly speak your word, as You stretch forth hand to heal and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of your holy Son, Jesus.”

And after their prayer, the place where they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

MEDITATIO - Meditate on text, allow the LORD to touch us with His Word:

• “they lifted up their voice to the Lord with one accord” – communal prayer in face of persecution

• “God who has made heaven and earth, the seas and all in them” – focus on the LORD’s power juxtaposed to the threats of the authorities

• “Grant that your servants may boldly speak your word” – prayer for boldness rather than safety

ORATIO – Lifting our minds and hearts to the LORD in prayer:

Almighty and Loving Father, we come to You today with hearts still full of joy during this Easter season as we remember the sacrifice of your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ.  We turn to You to send the Spirit to embolden us so that we may more wholly and lovingly accept our roles in His ongoing salvific mission. Grant that we may boldly proclaim your word, proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ risen and the salvation of souls won through His passion, death, and resurrection, that your will determined long ago. May we work tirelessly to bring Christ to others and others to Christ. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.

CONTEMPLATIO – Sitting with the LORD in silence for a minute or more