Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Wednesday's Community Prayer reflects on Acts of the Apostles 5:5-8.

Today's prayer is led by junior Olivia Sterken.

Transcript

Take a moment to quiet yourselves in preparation for community prayer.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

In Acts chapter 5, verses 5 through 8 we read: “Thus Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing. For unclean spirits, crying out in a loud voice, came out of many possessed people, and many paralyzed and crippled people were cured. There was great joy in that city.”

This passage reminds us that when Jesus returns, he will bring healing, forgiveness, and renewal to all who turn to him. Because of this promise, we are invited to live with faith now; loving God, trusting in his word, and putting that faith into action each day. Preparing for his second coming is not about perfection, but about continually growing: choosing kindness, seeking forgiveness, and striving to become better people through God’s grace.

To prepare ourselves, we can ask: How can I open my heart to change? How can I let God work through me in my actions, words, and choices? Living as a child of God means paying attention to the small moments because that is often where God is present. When we listen to others share God’s word, we are called not just to hear it, but to trust it, reflect on it, and live it out in our daily lives.

Faith also calls us to trust God during difficult times. Like the crowds who listened patiently and believed, we are reminded that trust and patience are essential parts of faith. It can be hard to trust God when life feels overwhelming, but faith teaches us that God is always working for good, even when we cannot see it. Through trust, we find strength, joy, and hope.

Loving God, we thank you for your endless love, mercy, and forgiveness. Help us to grow in faith and to trust in your plan, especially during difficult times. Guide us to notice your presence in the small moments of our lives and to let you work through us in all that we do. Give us the courage to share your Good News with others and to live as examples of your love. Strengthen us when we struggle and remind us that you are always with us. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. Amen. Jesus, remember me. St. Joseph, pray for us.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.