Thursday October 7, 2021

Today is Thursday, October 7 and this week we are exploring how the Bible encourages us to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.

As I enter a time of prayer, I pause and become still. I quiet my busy mind and recenter my scattered thoughts. I breathe deeply and slowly, and invite the presence of God.

Pause and Pray

Father God, I long to be in your presence during these first fifteen minutes of my day. Speak to my heart and mind the message you have for me. Come Holy Spirit, show me how I can grow stronger as a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.

Today I join the praise of ancient people and turn to the Lord with the words of Psalm 78.

My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old – things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. Psalm 78:1-3

Pause and Pray

During the forty-day period between Jesus’ resurrection and ascension into heaven, the Bible records many appearances. Jesus appears to the women, the twelve disciples, Thomas, Peter, James and in 1 Corinthians 15:6 Jesus appeared to more than 500 believers at one time. Jesus also appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Considering the average walking speed of a human being, it would take nearly two hours to travel about seven miles. For these men, it was two hours of uninterrupted time with Jesus. That must have been the most beautiful seven-mile walk of all time. A serene evening stroll in the countryside, the sun low in the sky, a quiet conversation and the presence of Jesus.

Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them. Luke 24:13-15

It is Easter evening. The two disciples on the road to Emmaus didn’t believe the testimony of the women they heard that morning. They didn’t believe the stone was rolled away, and the tomb was empty and he was raised! In their despair over the crucifixion, Jesus came near and went with them. He walks with them and talks with them. He opens the scriptures to them. Their hearts burn within them on the road.

Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:28-32

I consider this intimate encounter with Jesus from a fresh perspective. I long to walk with Jesus and have him open the scriptures to me. The two disciples on the road do not recognize Jesus. It was not until he took the bread, gave thanks and broke the bread that their eyes were open and they recognized him. What will it take for my eyes to be open and for me to recognize Jesus in my midst? Do I long for the scriptures to be opened to me? Do I long for my heart to burn within me again?

Ask: How do I experience Jesus walking and talking with me? How can I be more open to the presence of the Holy Spirit and position myself to experience the presence of Jesus Christ in my life?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord, Jesus, I ask you to speak to my heart and life, open my eyes so that I am able to recognize you in my daily life. Let me experience your presence in worship and recognize you in Holy Communion. Open the scriptures to me, teach me your truth. I invite you into my heart and life and ask you to stay with me. I read the scripture from Luke again and seek what you wish to speak to me today.

Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:28-32

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

Where do I find myself in today’s scripture? What is the Holy Spirit speaking into my life? As the two disciples invite Jesus to stay with them, I urge my Lord Jesus strongly to “stay with me, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” Stay, Jesus for darkness falls. The beautiful first line of the popular hymn Abide with Me echoes this same invitation of Jesus: “Abide with me, fast falls the eventide.” At the time, Henry Lyte was dying of tuberculosis, and the dark shadows of the evening of his life were falling. He was alone, suffering and in pain and he invited Jesus to stay with him.

Darkness falls in my world too. Where do I experience darkness? The darkness of disease, death and despair. The darkness of ridicule, rejection and regret. The darkness of insult, injury, and injustice. The darkness of hostility, hatred and hopelessness. The darkness of brutality, brokenness and betrayal. The darkness of loneliness, lostness, and lifelessness. When darkness falls in my life, I can invite the one who walks with me to stay with me.

Pause and Pray

Stay, Lord Jesus, abide with me! When darkness falls in my life, when uncertainty surrounds me, I need to know that you are there and that I am not alone in this world. Remind me that no matter what happens, no matter the challenges I face, the injustices I endure or the evil that is displayed in the world around me, you are with me. You abide with me and I abide with you. Through your constant presence, I can face all things. Amen.

The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-25

As I leave this time of prayer and go throughout my day, I go with Jesus who walks with me and talks with me. Help me to share his love and grace with everyone I meet. Amen.