Wednesday - Because He Lives

Welcome to Daily Prayer. This is week 1 of a 7-week journey, following Jesus for the 50

days between the resurrection and Pentecost. We will pray through seven different

encounters with the risen Jesus. As we begin our time together, let’s quiet our hearts

and minds before the Lord.

Consider putting to memory John 20:31 as we take this journey together:

“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God,

and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

This week we look at Jesus’ first interaction after His resurrection: Mary Magdalene.

Mary first met Jesus when he set her free from the torment of multiple demons. She

became a faithful follower of Jesus, providing support for his ministry from her own

resources. And when others were running in fear, Mary is seen at the foot of the cross,

watching her Lord be crucified. Her encounter with Jesus at the tomb is one of the

most tender moments in the Gospels.

John 20:11-18

11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look

into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had

lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you

weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know

where they have laid him.”

14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I

will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in

Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).

17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me,

for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am

ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary

Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he

had said these things to her.

A Word of Encouragement

Mary was looking directly at Jesus and still did not recognize Him. Her sorrow had

clouded her sight. Her assumptions had narrowed what she thought was possible. She

expected death, not resurrection. She expected loss, not life. And because of that, she

could not yet see the One who was standing right in front of her.

But what is so beautiful in this passage is the patience of Jesus. He does not respond

to Mary with harshness. He does not scold her confusion. He gently leads her into

recognition. That is such good news for us. Jesus does not abandon His people in their

misunderstanding. He draws near and opens their eyes.

A Prayer of Confession

Lord Jesus, I confess that I often misunderstand You.

I expect You to move in ways that make sense to me, and when You do not, my heart

grows unsettled.

I confess that my assumptions can cloud my vision.

My disappointments can make me doubt Your goodness.

There have been times when I have mistaken silence for absence.

There have been times when I have quietly questioned Your heart because I did not

understand Your ways.

Forgive me for the ways I have measured You by my limited understanding.

A Prayer of Petition

Jesus, help me recognize You more clearly. When I am confused, keep me near You.

When I cannot understand what You are doing, teach me to trust Your heart.

Quiet the inner noise that keeps me from hearing You. Break the power of fear.

Give me spiritual discernment in places where I feel uncertain.

Help me notice Your presence in ordinary moments.

Help me remain open to the ways You may be working differently than I expected.

Lift the fog where grief, pressure, disappointment, or anxiety has clouded my sight.

Train me to look for You with humility and trust.

Let my first response to uncertainty be prayer, not panic.

Let my first response to delay be dependence, not despair.

A Prayer of Intercession

Lord, I pray for others who are also struggling to see You clearly.

I pray for those who are grieving and cannot yet make sense of their pain.

I pray for those who feel disappointed by life, confused by circumstances, or distant

from Your presence.

I pray for those who are weary in faith and close to giving up.

Would You reveal Yourself to them with gentleness and mercy?

For friends, family, church members, and others I care about, shine light into places of

confusion.

Strengthen those whose hearts feel tired. Encourage those who feel forgotten.

Bring peace to those who are carrying questions they cannot answer.

Help them recognize that You are nearer than they realize.

Be patient with them, Lord, and lead them into deeper trust.

Closing Prayer

Mary’s confusion did not drive Jesus away. He was patient with her until her eyes were

opened. He is patient with you as well. During these last few moments, name before

the Lord the places where you feel confused about His timing, His ways, or His

purposes. When we lack understanding, we are reminded that sometimes human

understanding can actually be a barrier to a life of trust. Ask the Lord to renew your

confidence and trust in Him today.