Praying to Catch Your Breath | Prayer on Acts 3:1-21

The story of a miraculous healing of a paralyzed man by the apostles Peter and John in Acts 3 shows all the signs of someone’s memories. Unnecessary details in the narrative, like the time of day, the specific name of the gate where it happened, and the larger location by the large columns in the courtyard, are all signs that this narrative is actually told by someone’s memory (Peter and John). And this healing also gives us a powerful image of what our true condition is and the kind of “restoration of all things” Christ will bring when he brings Heaven back to earth. There are illustrative words and phrases in this narrative as powerful images for prayer as you come before the Author of Life. Come there with me in this episode.  Acts 3:1–21 ESV  1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s. 12 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, wh