Friday - Because He Lives

Welcome to Daily Prayer. This is Week 3 of the Because He Lives series — encounters with the risen Jesus. This week we pray through the encounter Jesus had with the disciples as they were hiding in fear, and with his unique interaction with Thomas. Let us quiet our hearts and minds before the Lord. Father, today we give everyone and everything to you.

John 20:19-31

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

A Word of Encouragement

Most believers will never see Jesus with their physical eyes as Thomas did. And yet Jesus speaks a blessing over those who believe without seeing. That means faith is not second-class. Trusting Christ on the basis of His Word is precious to Him. John tells us plainly why these things were written: so that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing we may have life in His name. The Lord has not left us without witness. He has given us testimony, Scripture, and the Spirit’s work in our hearts.

A Prayer of Adoration

Jesus, I worship You as the Christ, the Son of God. You are worthy of faith, worthy of trust, and worthy of wholehearted devotion. You are the risen Lord, the promised Savior, and the giver of life. I praise You because You are true whether or not I see everything clearly. You are faithful, powerful, and worthy to be trusted.

A Prayer of Thankfulness

Thank You, Lord, for the witness of Scripture. Thank You that these things were written so that we may believe. Thank You that You have made Yourself known through Your Word. Thank You that by believing in Jesus there is life in His name. Thank You that faith is a gift and that You are kind to strengthen it.

A Prayer of Petition

Jesus, strengthen my faith. Help me trust Your Word more deeply. Help me believe You in the quiet days, in the difficult days, and in the ordinary days. Guard me from unbelief. Anchor me in the truth of who You are. Let faith become more than a concept to me — let it become a steady, living trust in Christ. And let that faith bear the fruit of peace, obedience, joy, and life.

Closing Prayer

During these last few moments, reflect on who Jesus is: the Christ, the Son of God, the risen Lord. Thank Him for the gift of faith, and ask Him to strengthen your trust so that you may live more fully in the life He gives. Take this time to add your own words of worship. Exalt Him today by declaring how wonderful He is.