Monday - Because He Lives

Welcome to Daily Prayer. This is Week 2 of the Because He Lives series — encounters with the risen Jesus. Today we come to Jesus with the disappointments we carry, trusting that even when our hopes feel shaken, He is still near.

Luke 24:13–35

That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.

And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

And he said to them, “What things?”

And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.”

And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them.

When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.

They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

A Word of Encouragement

These disciples were walking under the weight of disappointment, and Jesus came near to them there. He did not wait until they understood everything. He met them while they were sad, confused, and trying to make sense of what had happened. That should be a comfort to us. Jesus is not only present when our faith feels strong. He is also present when our hopes have been shaken.

A Prayer of Lament

Lord Jesus, You know the places where I have quietly said, “But I had hoped.” You know the disappointments I carry and the prayers that still feel unanswered. I bring those places to You now. Meet me in the sadness, the confusion, and the weariness. Do not let my heart drift from You there.

A Prayer of Petition

Help me trust that You are still near, even when I do not understand what You are doing. Keep disappointment from hardening my heart. Teach me to bring my wounded hopes to You. Restore peace where my heart feels unsettled.

A Prayer of Thankfulness

Thank You, Jesus, that You draw near to disappointed people. Thank You that You are patient with sorrow and kind with confusion.

Thank You that You do not leave me alone on the road. Thank You that hope is still alive because You are alive.

Closing Prayer

During these last few moments, bring before Jesus any disappointment, sadness, or unmet hope you have been carrying. Tell Him where your heart feels bruised, and ask Him to meet you there. Allow Him to speak over you today, words of peace and hope.