Monday - Because He Lives

Welcome to Daily Prayer. This is Week 4 of the Because He Lives series — encounters with the risen Jesus. This week we pray through the encounter Jesus had with Peter, who had denied knowing Jesus in the fear and chaos of the crucifixion. Let us quiet our hearts and minds before the Lord, anticipating a special connection with him today. Father, today we give everyone and everything to you.

John 21:1–19 (ESV)

After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together.

Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.

Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea.

The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.”

So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.

Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

Word of Encouragement

The setting of this passage is worth noting. The disciples are by the sea, fishing through the night, doing something they’ve many, many times. And that is where Jesus reveals Himself again. That is comforting because much of life feels ordinary. Sometimes we assume we will encounter God only in the extraordinary. But John 21 reminds us that Jesus loves to reveal Himself in the middle of real life. Your daily schedule may feel mundane at times, but take heart that the Lord is always with you.

A Prayer of Adoration

Jesus, I worship You as the risen Lord who comes near in ordinary places. You are not confined to dramatic moments. You are present in daily work, daily routines, and quiet mornings. I praise You because You are near in the simple places of life. You are attentive, faithful, and kind. Meet me today in my simple life and my ordinary places.

A Prayer of Thankfulness

Jesus, thank You for the quiet ways You provide, guide, and care for Your people. Thank You that no part of life is too small for Your attention. Thank You that I do not have to chase dramatic experiences to know that You are near. Thank You that You are present with me in every moment of every day, even when I fail to recognize it.

A Prayer of Petition

Lord, help me become more aware of Your presence. Open my eyes to see You in times that feel repetitive or unremarkable. Teach me to welcome You into my work, my responsibilities, and my habits. Keep me from assuming that You are absent when life feels bland or boring. Let my heart grow more attentive to the ways You reveal Your faithfulness in small and steady ways.

Closing Prayer

During these last few moments, think about the ordinary places where you spend most of your life. Bring those places before Jesus, and ask Him to help you become more aware of His presence in the routines, responsibilities, and quiet parts of your day. He is with you when you rise. He is with you during chores and running errands. He is with you in every moment, whether they are chaotic, or still. Pray for a heart that takes advantage of every opportunity to acknowledge God in all your ways.