And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness,
as you stretch forth [your] hand to heal, and signs and wonders are done through the name of your holy servant Jesus. (Acts 4:29-30 NABRE)
After Peter and John were released by the Sanhedrin, they returned to the gathering of believers. When they told the story of what had happened to them and how they had been held and threatened to no longer heal or preach in Jesus' name, the entire community began to pray, remembering the beginning of Psalm 2 and recognizing it as a prophecy describing Herod and Pilate who, together, took a stand against Jesus.
And the community continued its prayer, asking the Lord for protection, boldness in teaching Jesus' message, and the ability to continue healing and offering signs and wonders in Jesus' name as further proof to encourage others to believe that he is indeed the Christ.
Lord, please grant me your protection against the forces arrayed against me. Help me to know them and give me boldness to speak your word into each day's circumstances. May others see and take notice of my actions, and may their observations lead them to you.
Today, on this second Monday of the Easter season, I will continue to pray for those who are lukewarm in faith, that they may find a fire in their heart for you.
Saint Martin I, seventh-century pope and martyr who was a witness for the faith, pray for us.
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