Wednesday - 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

Jesus did not come merely to calm the disciples’ fears and leave them where they were. He gave them peace, and then He sent them. The same Jesus who says, “Peace be with you,” also says, “I am sending you.” He breathes His Spirit on His people and calls them into lives that bear witness to Him. This means your life is not random. You have been met by Jesus for a purpose. He does not send you out in your own strength, but with His presence, His peace, and power by His Spirit.

A Prayer of Adoration

Jesus, I worship You as the sent Son and the sending Lord. You fulfilled the mission given to You. And now You call Your people to live as those who belong to You and are sent by You. I praise You that Your plans are purposeful and that Your call on our lives is filled with grace. You do not leave us directionless. You give us peace, and then You send us in that peace.

A Prayer of Petition

Lord, teach me to live as one who is sent. Help me see my daily life — my conversations, responsibilities, work, home, church, and relationships — as places where I can represent You. Give me courage where I am hesitant. Give me sincere love for people. Give me wisdom in how I speak and how I serve. Fill me with Your Spirit, and help me live with a quiet readiness to bear witness to Jesus in the places You have put me.

A Prayer of Intercession

Jesus, I pray for those around me who need the peace and forgiveness You alone can give. I pray for family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and others in my life who are far from You or weary in heart. Reveal Yourself to them. Use Your people to speak clearly and lovingly of Christ. Use Your church to be faithful in the message of forgiveness and life in Jesus’ name. And use me, Lord, in whatever simple, ordinary, faithful ways You choose.

Closing Prayer

During these last few moments, ask Jesus to help you see where He is sending you today. Pray for one person in your life who needs His peace, and ask the Lord to make you ready to represent Him with grace, courage, and love. Ask Him to fill you with zeal and readiness to bring love and joy to people who desperately need it.