Tuesday - 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 disciples fished all night and caught nothing. That simple detail carries a lot of weight. They knew the water. They knew how to fish. Yet despite their effort, time and skill, they still ended up with empty nets. That’s when Jesus shows up. Many people know what empty-net seasons feel like. Times when we work hard and see little. Times when we are tired, frustrated, and uncertain what to do next. Sometimes the emptiness itself becomes the place where we recognize Him best. This interaction Jesus has with the disciples is almost identical to when He first called them to follow Him, empty nets and all. That is when they realized it was the Lord. Sometimes it isn’t on the mountaintops that we experience God best. Often it is during our times of need that we remember how close and how faithful He is.

A Prayer of Lament

Lord Jesus, You know what it is like to come to the end of the night with empty hands. You know the places in my life where I feel tired, frustrated, or discouraged. You know the effort I have given in some areas with little to show for it. I bring those empty-net places to You now. Meet me in the weariness, and in the frustration. Meet me where I feel discouraged or drained and restore my soul.

A Prayer of Petition

Jesus, help me trust You in seasons that feel unfruitful. Keep weariness from turning into cynicism. Keep frustration from hardening my heart. Teach me to listen for Your voice even after long nights of discouragement. Give me faith to believe that You still see me, lead me, and provide what I need.

A Prayer of Thankfulness

Thank You, Jesus, that You see Your people in their weariness. Thank You that You are not absent from frustrating seasons. Thank You that You know how to provide at the right time. Thank You that You meet tired people with compassion and care. Thank You that You remain faithful, even when I feel empty.

Closing Prayer

During these last few moments, bring before Jesus any place in your life that feels like an empty net. Tell Him where you feel tired, discouraged, or worn thin, and ask Him to meet you there with fresh strength, guidance, and trust.