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Tuesday, May 17, 2022

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Acts 14:19-28
Psalm 145:10-13, 21
John 14:27-31

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circle freeway

“His disciples quickly formed a circle about him, and before long he got up and went back into town.” —Acts 14:20

Paul’s persecutors attempted to kill him by stoning. They “dragged him out of the town, leaving him there for dead” (Acts 14:19). The circle of disciples raised the dead.

We need to form a prayer-circle around “the living dead” in our midst (1 Jn 3:14). Anyone who does not know Jesus is spiritually dead, reaping “the wages of sin” (Rm 6:23). Some churches are dead (Rv 3:1). Some marriages are dead. We can circle these people, churches, and couples, just as Joshua circled Jericho and the walls came tumbling down (Jos 6:20).

We can circle the dead and bring them to life by literally joining our hands, by a week of prayer (as with Jericho), by “praying over” people, by forming a prayer chain or intercessory group. If we but let the Spirit guide us, we can circle our dead planet with life-giving prayer. Let’s go around in circles, up in resurrection spirals, into new life, a new life of true freedom.

Prayer:  Father, may the praying hands on earth join in a circle of prayer and risen life.

Promise:  “If you truly loved Me you would rejoice to have Me go to the Father.” —Jn 14:28

Praise:  When Henry had a near-death experience, he began to take his life and afterlife seriously. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for drawing all people to Yourself (Jn 12:32).

Reference:  (To receive life-giving prayer, read the Bible daily. For encouragement, view, download or order our leaflet, How to Read the Bible, or listen to, download or order our CD 46-3 or DVD 46 on our website.)

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2022 through May 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 3, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.