Wednesday - Because He Lives

Welcome to Daily Prayer. This is Week 6 of the Because He Lives series — encounters with

the risen Jesus. Today we move into Acts, where Luke continues the story. The risen Jesus is

still teaching His disciples. He is appearing to them, giving many proofs that He is alive, and

speaking about the kingdom of God. The resurrection was not the end of the mission. It was

the beginning of a Spirit-empowered movement that would carry the message of Jesus to the

world. Let us quiet our hearts and minds before the Lord, anticipating a special connection

with him today.

Father, we give everyone and everything to you.

Acts 1:1-5

1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until

the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the

apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by

many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for

the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with

water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

Word of Encouragement

Acts begins by reminding us that Jesus continued to teach and prepare His followers after His

resurrection. For forty days, He spoke to them about the kingdom of God. This shows us that

the kingdom was central to Jesus’ message. He was preparing them to live as citizens and

witnesses of the kingdom. They had a kingdom message, but they needed Spirit power.

Jesus reminds them that John baptized with water, but they would be baptized with the Holy

Spirit. It was about being immersed in the presence and power of God. We need more than

knowledge. We need more than effort. We need the Holy Spirit forming us, filling us,

empowering us, and making the kingdom visible through our lives.

A Prayer of Adoration

Jesus, I praise you as the risen Lord who continues to teach, lead, and prepare His people.

You did not abandon your disciples after the resurrection, and you do not abandon us now.

You are patient in forming us. You teach us again and again. You reveal your kingdom, correct

our misunderstandings, and prepare us for what we could never do in our own strength.

Father, I praise you for the promise of the Holy Spirit. You do not send your people empty-

handed. Holy Spirit, I worship you as the gift of the Father and the presence of the risen Christ

with His people.

A Prayer of Confession

Lord, I confess that I sometimes reduce your kingdom to my preferences, my comfort, my

church habits, or my limited vision. I can become more concerned with my own plans than

your reign. Forgive me for wanting kingdom results without kingdom surrender. Forgive me for

wanting spiritual fruit without spiritual dependence. I confess that I often want power, but not

waiting. I want influence, but not formation. I want clarity, but not surrender. Lord, refocus my

heart today on the things that truly matter most.

A Prayer of Trust

Father, I choose to wait for what you have promised rather than forcing what I can produce. I

choose dependence over self-reliance. I trust that your timing is not wasted. I trust that your

preparation is love. I trust that your Spirit is enough for everything you have called me to do.

Lord, help me not to despise hidden seasons. Help me not to rush formation. Help me receive

what you want to give before I run toward what you want me to do.

Closing Prayer

During these last few moments, ask the Lord to show you where your understanding of the

kingdom may be too small. Pray: “Jesus, teach me your kingdom.

Holy Spirit, fill me with your power.”

Sit quietly and receive. Receive clarity. Receive conviction. Receive His love.

Receive His power.