The First Reading, Acts 6:1-9; 7:2a, 51-60, shows us that all of us have a place of service in the Church/the Body of Christ. We see that the ministry of the apostles was to devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. Others were appointed to fulfill other responsibilities, such as meeting the daily needs of the assembly. But notice that even those who had other tasks in the Church were still evangelists. No matter what our tasks and responsibilities might be in the Church, we are still called to proclaim Jesus by our words and actions.
Holy Spirit, as you filled and empowered the first disciples to proclaim Jesus as Lord and Savior, so fill and empower us with the same proclamation. Let our words and actions lift up Jesus as Lord and Savior, and continue to draw people to Jesus. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

Today’s psalm, Psalm 146, is a psalm of praise. Notice all the gracious and merciful acts of the Lord for which the psalmist gives thanks and praise. Let us also give thanks and praise to God for His steadfast love, especially His steadfast love revealed in Jesus.
Holy Spirit, open our eyes to see, our ears to hear, and our hearts to acknowledge the grace and mercy showered upon us in Jesus. Enable us to trust the Lord alone for the blessings we need in life. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

Today’s Second Reading from 1 Peter 2:2-10uses several images to describe the Christian: we are to be like newborn infants, receiving our nourishment and salvation from the Lord. We are living stones being built into a spiritual house where we offer acceptable sacrifices to God. Along that line we are also God’s special people, chosen for a purpose. Pay close attention to what our mission as Christians is to be.
Holy Spirit, each day draw us to You to receive our spiritual nourishment from You alone, only the life we receive in Jesus truly is life. Continue to build us up in the Church, the Body of Christ, through whom glory and praise rises to God. And empower us each day to fulfill our mission of making Jesus known to others so that You can bring them to faith. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

The Gospel, John 14:1-14, is set in the context of the Thursday night before Jesus’ crucifixion. Notice how Jesus prepares His followers for His impending crucifixion: promising that He would go ahead of us to prepare a place for us in heaven. Notice also that Jesus alone is the way, the truth, and the life – key words in the Gospel of John. Notice that the only way to the heavenly Father is through Jesus. Let us follow Jesus alone as our Lord and Savior.
Holy Spirit, increase faith in us, trusting that Jesus has prepared a place for us in heaven. Keep our eyes focused on Jesus because He alone is the way, the truth, and the life, the only way to the Father. Open us up again to the truths You reveal to us in Jesus. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.