Prayer Prompt April 16

SCRIPTURE

John 20:19–23 (NRSVUE)

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." 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 retain the sins of any, they are retained."

REFLECTION

Jesus' greeting of peace to His fearful disciples demonstrates His desire to calm our anxieties and equip us with the Holy Spirit. He commissions us to continue His work, extending forgiveness and embodying His love. Consider how you are embracing this calling in your daily life. How is the Holy Spirit speaking to you through this Scripture?​

PRAYER

Prince of Peace, breathe Your Spirit upon me and dispel my fears. Empower me to be an instrument of Your forgiveness and love in the world. As You have sent Your disciples, so send me to share Your good news. Amen.​