Monday April 24, 2023

Today is Monday, April 24 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.

In the morning I seek the Lord and praise him with the words of Psalm 85.

Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing love, LORD, and grant us your salvation. I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants. Psalm 85:6-8a

Pause and Pray

Following his Resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples many times over the course of forty days. We are studying these Post-Resurrection appearances and asking God to reveal his message to us in these words of Holy Scripture. At sunrise the women discovered the tomb was empty, at sunset that same day the eleven disciples were gathered in Jerusalem in the Upper Room. Two men returned from the nearby town of Emmaus and reported meeting Jesus on the road and recognizing him while he broke the bread at the evening meal.

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. Luke 24:36-40

Jesus enters into a time of chaos, confusion, fear and grief and brings peace. He was dead and now he is alive. His closest companion’s hearts are broken and spirits are crushed and he stands among them and breathes peace. In my own life there are places where I am troubled. I consider the circumstances that cause me uncertainty, concern or fear. I consider the relationships that cause me strain, worry or unease. I invite Jesus into these places and ask for his comfort and guidance. I hear his voice speaking my name, I see the wounds on his hands and feet, I reach out to touch the wounds that can heal my soul.

Ask: Where do I need the peace of Christ? How have the wounds on his hands and his feet set me free?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord Jesus, your precious blood was shed for my sin. Enter into the circumstances of my life and stand alongside me in the places of my pain and sorrow. Reveal yourself in the shadows of my trouble and fear. Let me look upon the wounds that ransomed my soul and bring your peace that passes understanding. I read the words from Luke again and listen for the message you have for me.

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. Luke 24:36-40

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

There is something God wants to reveal to me through the Holy Spirit as I study his sacred Word. Whatever word or phrase that stands out to me – I jot it down in my journal and carry it with me throughout my day. Perhaps God wants to shine a light on my doubts, fears and worries. Maybe I need to gain confidence in the power of God in a particular circumstance. Perhaps my troubled spirit needs the peace that only comes from Christ. Maybe I need to look at his wounds and touch his suffering in order to be set free from my own.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord Jesus, I invite you to enter in through the locked doors of my heart. Come and breathe your peace into the depths of my soul. Calm the troubled waters of my spirit. Ease my fears and remind me to turn my attention away from my concerns and turn toward your presence. Let me see you and grasp the truth of your great love. Amen.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

I leave this time of prayer uplifted by the peace of Christ, I go to pass this peace to everyone I meet.

Amen