Friday - Because He Lives

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

the risen Jesus. Today we come to the ascension of Jesus. The disciples watch as He is lifted

up, and a cloud takes Him from their sight. They stand there gazing into heaven. Then two

men in white robes ask them a question: “Why do you stand looking into heaven?” It is not a

rebuke for loving Jesus. It is a reminder that His departure does not mean their mission is

over.

It means their mission is beginning. 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 1:9-11 (ESV)

9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud

took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold,

two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand

looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the

same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Word of Encouragement

The disciples are caught looking upward. That makes sense. Who would not stare after

Jesus? But the messengers remind them that this same Jesus will come again. Until then,

they are not meant to stand still. They are meant to obey, wait for the Spirit, and become

witnesses. Some believers become so focused on the future that they forget the urgency of

now. Others become so consumed with activity now that they forget the hope of Christ’s

return. The ascension gives us both: confidence and calling. Jesus reigns. Jesus will return.

And until He does, we live as Spirit-empowered witnesses.

A Prayer of Adoration

Jesus, I worship you as the ascended King. You are risen, reigning, exalted, and seated at the

right hand of the Father. You are not powerless. You are ruling. You are not finished with the

world. You are interceding, leading, and preparing for your return. I praise you because the

same Jesus who walked with His disciples, suffered on the cross, rose from the grave, and

ascended into heaven will come again. You are my hope, my King, and my future.

A Prayer of Thankfulness

Thank you, Jesus, that your ascension means I do not have to live as if evil has the final word.

Thank you that everything is moving toward your return. Thank you that you are interceding

for your people. Thank you that you reign with authority, compassion, justice, and mercy.

Thank you that I can lift my eyes above the heaviness of the world and remember that you are

Lord. Thank you that Christian hope is not wishful thinking—it is anchored in your

resurrection, your reign, and your promised return.

A Prayer of Petition

Jesus, help me live today in light of your return. Give me a steady hope that strengthens

obedience. Give me an eternal perspective that changes how I speak, serve, forgive, lead,

love, and endure. When I am tempted to despair, remind me that you reign. When I am

tempted to freeze, remind me that you have sent me. Make me faithful and fruitful until the

day I see you face to face.

Closing Prayer

During these last few moments, imagine the disciples looking into heaven. Now hear the

question: “Why are you standing still?” Ask Jesus where He is calling you to faithful action.

Pray: “Jesus, keep my eyes lifted in worship and my hands and feet moving in obedience.

Show me how avoid becoming neglectful of either of these.” Rest in the hope of His return

today.