Wednesday April 26, 2023

Today is Wednesday, April 26 and we are studying the Post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus.

As I begin this time of prayer, I quiet my mind, slow my breathing and rest in the presence of the God who loves me.

Pause and Pray

Jesus, you are the Lord of my life and the Shepherd of my heart. I am here to listen to your voice and discover the specific message you have for me today. Open the scriptures and help me see what you wish to reveal. Amen.

Before I consider anything else, I begin this new day praising God with the words of Psalm 150.

Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Psalm 150:1-2,6

Pause and Pray

This week we continue our study of the twelve Post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus recorded in the New Testament. Today we turn to the gospel of John. John is clear about the purpose of his book. John’s chief concern is for everyone to believe that Jesus is the Messiah (John 20:31). He urges me to believe so that I may have life in the name of Jesus Christ. When the disciples gathered that first evening in the Upper Room they were afraid and the doors were locked. Jesus loves to come through locked doors.

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” John 20:19-23

I consider what doors I have locked. Perhaps I have locked the door of my heart out of fear, distrust or cynicism. Maybe I have locked the door of my mind due to doubt, prejudice or skepticism. Perhaps I have locked the door of my soul to prevent myself from being hurt, exposed or found out. Jesus loves to come through locked doors. When he comes, Jesus will bring everything I need along with him. He brings peace, he brings joy, he brings love and he breathes the Holy Spirit on me. Then he sends me out.

Ask: What obstacles do I place between myself and Jesus? What might I have “locked up” within me?

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord, Savior and Friend, thank you for crossing any barrier to reach me. I find joy and peace in your wonderful presence. I pray and ask to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Forgive me my trespasses as I forgive those who have trespassed against me. Send me out into the world to do your will and work for your kingdom. I read the words from John again and listen for the message you have for me.

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” John 20:19-23

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

I might read this same passage today and tomorrow and a different word would catch my heart. That is how God speaks to me fresh every morning, if only I can tune-in to listen. Maybe there is a situation or a relationship that these words will inform. Perhaps God wants to reveal something to me or supply something I am lacking. Maybe Jesus is guiding my path in a certain direction or sending me on a new task. Perhaps there is someone I need to forgive or maybe I am the one who needs to ask forgiveness.

Pause and Pray

Come, Lord Jesus, breathe into me the breath of life. Fill me to the brim with the love, joy and peace of the Holy Spirit. Push out all fear. I invite you into my heart and ask you to shine your light on my intentions, cleanse me of self will, and reveal my motivations. Prepare me to be sent out to do your will and serve you with all that I am and all that I have. Amen.

Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Genesis 2:7

I leave this time of prayer sent out by Jesus Christ to shine his light and share his love with a broken world.

Amen