5/13/2026

Mid-week Prayer Service

Acts 3:1-10

God’s “no” is actually His blessing.

Faith is behaving as if you really do believe.

Discussion Questions

Why do you think most Christians struggle with boldness even though we say we believe the gospel changes everything?

Why do you think fear of people’s opinions has such a strong grip on us?

Why do you think God often uses ordinary, flawed people instead of naturally fearless or impressive people?

Have you ever experienced a “no” from God that later turned out to be a blessing? What did that teach you about God’s character?

Peter reached down and helped the man up before seeing evidence the miracle had happened. Why do you think God often asks us to obey before we can see the outcome?

Why do you think repentance is often viewed negatively, even though it is actually an invitation into life and freedom?

If our church truly lived with bold faith the way Acts describes, what do you think would change in our community?

What kind of legacy do you want your faith to leave in the lives of other people?

UPWARD PRAYER

“Look at Us” – Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

Scripture Reading

Acts 3:6

“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!’” (ESV)

Devotional Thought

Peter understood something powerful: what people ultimately need is Jesus. Before we pray for anything else tonight, we want to fix our hearts and minds upward on the greatness of God.

The same Jesus who healed this man is still reigning today. He is still powerful. Still sovereign. Still worthy of worship.

Prayer Prompts

Praise God for His power and authority.

Worship Jesus for being Savior and Lord.

Thank God that He still changes lives.

Praise Him for His mercy, grace, and faithfulness.

Ask God to increase our faith and dependence on Him.

DOWNWARD PRAYER

Repentance and Humility Before God

Scripture Reading

Acts 3:19

“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” (ESV)

Devotional Thought

Peter’s message was not ultimately about healing. It was about repentance. Before God changes what is around us, He often wants to change what is inside us.

Bold faith begins with humble repentance.

Prayer Prompts

Confess areas where comfort has become more important than obedience.

Repent of fear, silence, compromise, and spiritual apathy.

Ask God to forgive hidden sin and renew your heart.

Pray against pride and self-sufficiency.

Ask God to help you stop “putting Jesus off.” Quiet Reflection Time

Allow several minutes for silent personal confession.

INWARD PRAYER

“Rise Up and Walk” – Personal Transformation

Scripture Reading

Acts 3:7

“And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.” (ESV)

Devotional Thought

The lame man was asking for survival, but God wanted transformation. So often we ask God to make life easier while God desires to make us new.

Tonight we pray for healing, strength, boldness, and spiritual growth.

Prayer Prompts

Pray for stronger faith.

Pray for boldness in sharing the gospel.

Ask God to strengthen weak and weary believers.

Pray for freedom from anxiety, addiction, bitterness, or fear.

Ask God to help you live like you truly believe the gospel.

Pray for healing emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically.

OUTWARD PRAYER

Bringing Healing to a Broken World

Scripture Reading

Acts 3:8–10

“And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.” (ESV)

Devotional Thought

The miracle pointed people to Jesus. Changed lives still point people to Jesus today.

The church should be known as a place where broken people encounter the healing hope of the gospel.

Prayer Prompts

Pray for:

Lost family members and friends

Bold gospel conversations

Your local community

Schools and teachers

Marriages and families

Those battling addiction

The lonely and hurting

Church leadership and ministry teams

Revival and spiritual awakening

Opportunities to serve and love others boldly

Church Prayer Moment

Invite members to pray aloud for needs within the church and community.

THANKSGIVING

Walking and Leaping and Praising God

Scripture Reading

Acts 3:8

“And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.” (ESV)

Devotional Thought

Worship is the natural response of someone who realizes what Jesus has done for them.

The healed man could not stay silent because grace had changed his life.

Prayer Prompts

Thank God for:

Salvation through Jesus

Forgiveness and grace

Prayers He has answered

Healing He has brought

His faithfulness in suffering

Your church family

The gospel

The hope of eternity

The Holy Spirit

The ways He is still working today

(Testimony Sharing if extra time)

Closing Charge

Closing Exhortation

May we leave tonight walking in bold faith. Not trusting in ourselves. Not satisfied with shallow Christianity. But believing that Jesus still changes lives.

May our community see people who have been with Jesus.