Thursday - Because He Lives

Welcome to Daily Prayer. This is Week 2 of the Because He Lives series—encounters with the risen Jesus. Today we reflect on one of the most beautiful lines in this encounter when the disciples said: “Did not our hearts burn within us...?” Ask the Lord to awaken fresh love for Him in your heart today.

Luke 24:13–35

That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?”

And they stood still, looking sad.

Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

And he said to them, “What things?”

And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.”

And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.

They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

A Word of Encouragement

Jesus did more than give these disciples information. He awakened their hearts. As He opened the Scriptures, hope and love came alive again. There are seasons when our hearts feel dull or distracted. But Jesus is still able to stir fresh love for Himself. He can awaken what has cooled and renew what has grown tired.

A Prayer of Adoration

Jesus, I worship You as the One who awakens the heart. You do not only inform the mind; You kindle love, hope, and faith deep within us. You are worthy of wonder, affection, surrender, and delight. You know how to revive what has grown dull. You know how to stir what has gone quiet. I adore You, Lord Jesus, because You are beautiful, trustworthy, and worthy of wholehearted devotion.

A Prayer of Petition

Lord, awaken my heart again. Where I have settled for spiritual routine, awaken deeper love for You. Set my heart on fire with love for Christ. Give me fresh hunger for Your Word. Give me deeper joy in Your presence. Remove the layers of numbness, distraction, and weariness that have settled over me. Help me not merely to know about You, but to delight in You.

A Prayer of Thankfulness

Thank You that You are patient with cold hearts. Thank You that renewal is always possible. Thank You that You are not finished with me when my heart feels tired. Thank You that Your presence can still make a heart burn within.

Closing Prayer

During these last few moments, ask Jesus to awaken your heart again. Bring Him any spiritual dullness, distraction, or coldness you have noticed, and invite Him to renew love, hunger, and joy within you. Meditate on the things God has done or given us to renew our faith: the wonder of creation, the beauty of His unconditional love, the power of His Word. There is nothing more important to do today than to fall in love with Him all over again.