HEAT RISES

"Immediately the beggar's feet and ankles became strong; he jumped up, stood for a moment, then began to walk around. He went into the temple with them — walking, jumping about, and praising God." —Acts 3:7-8

Jesus wants to give us risen life to the full (Jn 10:10). Not only will our bodies and spirits rise, but our marriages, families, and relationships are to rise to new heights. Even our prayers should rise from the tomb of expectant doubt to expectant faith. So often we live like the lame man at the temple's gate. We've been spiritually crippled from birth and haven't walked a step in Jesus' name, but we don't ask for a miraculous healing, just for a few cents to get a cup of coffee (Acts 3:3).

We're often like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. We don't ask Jesus to rise from the dead, but rather ask that we can get over our disappointment. Even when the women tell us the story of Jesus' resurrection, our prayer still does not come out of the tomb (Lk 24:23). Are we praying merely to feel more comfortable in mediocrity or are we calling for a move of God worthy of risen glory? Let's roll away the stone. Let our prayers rise like incense (Ps 141:2).

Prayer: Father, during this Easter season, may my prayers rise to a height never before attained.

Promise: "When He had seated himself with them to eat, He took bread, pronounced the blessing, then broke the bread and began to distribute it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized Him." —Lk 24:30-31

Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who brings healing and life (Jn 10:10).

Reference: (For related teaching, order our tape, Lord Teach Us to Pray, on audio AV 57-3 or video V-57.)