Lord Jesus,
Thank you for this new morning, for this new day you bring. Just as the women hurried from the tomb that morning, with fear and great joy, so I come before you.
My heart is full of mixed emotions—fear of the day’s challenges, yet at the same time, immeasurable joy because I know you are alive.
Like them, I too often search for answers in the wrong places, among the shadows of the past. But your angel speaks to me today as well.
The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.’ (Matthew 28:5)
Yes, Lord, I too often look for you among the dead, in my old sins and habits. But your word reminds me of the truth that transcends every tomb and all darkness.
“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” (Matthew 28:6)
Your word is not just information, but a mission. It calls me to action, to become a messenger of hope.
Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you. (Matthew 28:7)
Lord, let me be Your messenger of truth
What incredible joy, mixed with awe, must have flooded their hearts!
“So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.” (Matthew 28:8)
And on their way, when they least expected it, there You were. You came to meet them. This is my deepest desire, Lord: that you would meet me today, in the midst of my worries and tasks.
Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. (Matthew 28:9)
I want to cling to you, to worship you, and to surrender all that I am to you. Your presence drives away all fear and gives new strength.
Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’ (Matthew 28:10)
Guard me from calculation and lies
While you were sending messengers of truth, the world was already weaving a web of lies. The chief priests and the elders bought a lie with money to cover up the miracle of your resurrection.
Lord, how easily I too fall for the lies of the world today. How quickly I am ready to believe rumors that are more comfortable than the demanding truth of your Gospel.
Please, cleanse my heart of all calculation and fear. Let me not be like the guards who sold the truth for money. Let me be like Mary Magdalene and the other women, who could not keep the joy to themselves.
“When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.” (Luke 24:9)
May my life be a testimony that echoes the words of your first witness.
Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord!’ And she told them that he had said these things to her. (John 20:18)
Give me the courage today to live as one who has seen you, who has touched you, and who knows that you have risen.
May my words and actions today proclaim to the world: He is alive!
Amen.
it is wonderful to start my day with a prayer. I look forward to receiving a new prayer each day.
Amen.