Morning Prayer - Walking In Freedom

Lord,

I come to you as Martha and Mary did, with a heavy heart and an urgent message that I lay before you.

I know no other way to speak than they did, so today I borrow their words for all that is dying in my life, and for all my loved ones who are suffering.

“Lord, the one you love is sick.” (John 11:3)

You know my battles, my sicknesses of soul and body. And I hear your answer, echoing through time, an answer that seems so full of delay and mystery.

“This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” (John 11:4)

Your delay sometimes confuses me, Lord. When it seems you do not respond, when the pain is at its worst, my heart begins to question.

But today, I want to believe that your silence is not rejection, but preparation for a greater revelation.

“… and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe.” (John 11:15)

You do not see death where I see it. To you, my worst trials, my greatest endings, are merely sleep from which you wish to awaken me.

“Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” (John 11:11)

Yes, Lord, I Firmly Believe

When you finally arrive, when you meet me in my pain, I want to be honest with you like Martha. Part of me cries out in despair and helplessness.

“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:21)

And yet, despite this despair, despite the scent of death and finality, a spark of hope smolders within me, kindled by your presence.

“But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” (John 11:22)

And you, Lord, answer this small, trembling faith with a promise that surpasses all my understanding.

“Your brother will rise again.” (John 11:23)

Then you invite me deeper, beyond the expectation of a miracle, to yourself. You are the answer. You are the solution.

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” (John 11:25)

“… And whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:26)

And with all that I am, I answer you today: yes, Lord, I truly want to believe. I long for this faith to become the foundation of my life.

“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” (John 11:27)

Unbind Me and Let Me Go

Therefore, I ask you today, stand before the tombs of my life—before my fears, my addictions, my sins, my desperate situations. And with the power that overcomes death, call out my name as well.

“Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43)

Show me that the old has passed and the new is being born. Command the forces that hold me in darkness to release me, so that I may walk in the freedom of your children.