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April 16, 2026

God’s Promises

Meg Lybeck-Smoak   |   Read Psalm 116:12-19

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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.

Psalm 116:12-19

12 What can I give back to the LORD for all the good things he has done for me? 13 I’ll lift up the cup of salvation. I’ll call on the LORD’s name. 14 I’ll keep the promises I made to the LORD in the presence of all God’s people. 15 The death of the LORD’s faithful is a costly loss in his eyes. 16 Oh yes, LORD, I am definitely your servant! I am your servant and the son of your female servant you’ve freed me from my chains. 17 So I’ll offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to you, and I’ll call on the LORD’s name. 18 I’ll keep the promises I made to the LORD in the presence of all God’s people, 19 in the courtyards of the LORD’s house, which is in the center of Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

Psalm 116 focuses on thanksgiving to God for the blessings God has given us. The psalmist wonders how to fully express the deep gratitude felt when God’s promises to us are fulfilled. In verse 13 lifting the “cup of salvation” references the Jewish tradition of blessing four cups during the...

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God of promise, we are grateful for all that you have done and continue to do for us. Help us to respond with gratitude to you by serving others in Jesus’ name. Amen.


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