April 13, 2026

God’s Promises

Meg Lybeck-Smoak | Read Acts of the Apostles 2:38-39

(Image by: Pixabay)

Lectionary Week

April 13–19, 2026

Scripture Overview

The scriptures this week are rooted in the promises of God for the people of God. In Acts and Luke, the promises of God’s love evident in the sacraments of baptism and Communion are uplifted. The psalm speaks of God’s promise to be with us, even—and especially—during times of suffering when we call out to God in prayer. First Peter claims God’s promise to be faithful to us, as we humans are in turn called to be faithful to God and to live out our faith in communities of God’s beloved.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Acts 2:14a, 36-41. As you think about your baptism, how have the vows you made (or that others made on your behalf) brought you closer to God and to claiming God’s promise of love in your life?
Read Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19. When have you cried out to God in prayer during a time of suffering in your life and experienced God’s promise to hear your petitions?
Read 1 Peter 1:17-23. How do you witness God’s promise of faithfulness to you when you respond by living your faith in community?
Read Luke 24:13-35. When has the celebration of Holy Communion opened the eyes of your heart anew to God’s promise of salvation for you?

Respond by posting a prayer.

I was raised in a family active in The United Methodist Church. Though infant baptism is common in the denomination, my family decided not to have me baptized until I was older. When my friends from eighth grade youth group began confirmation classes in the fall season, I did too....

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Gracious God, we give you thanks for your promise to always be with us, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, given to us through baptism. Amen.

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