Father God,
 I don’t want to learn things
the hard way.
I want to be quick to obey you.
Help us all to learn from the lessons of history.
You are the one, true God.
I worship you.
Amen.

— — — —
 
 Peter replied,
“Repent and be baptized,
every one of you,
in the name of Jesus Christ
for the forgiveness of your sins.
And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 
The promise is for you and your children
and for all who are far off—
for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

With many other words he warned them;
and he pleaded with them,
“Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 
Those who accepted his message were baptized,
and about three thousand
were added to their number that day.
(Acts 2:38-41 NIV)*