Prayer Tip--“What’s next?”
Daily Scripture
John 20:24-28 (NRSV)
But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
Daily Reflection & Prayer
John 20 invites us into the wonder of resurrection morning. Mary Magdalene is the first to discover the empty tomb, and in her grief, she lingers—and there, in that moment of heartbreak, the risen Jesus calls her by name. She becomes the first to share the good news: “I have seen the Lord!”
Later that same day, Jesus appears to the disciples who are locked away in fear. He doesn’t scold them—he offers them peace. He breathes the Holy Spirit into them and sends them out into the world with a message of forgiveness and hope. A week later, he returns again for Thomas, meeting him right in the middle of his doubts, offering presence and reassurance.
The chapter closes with this: These things are written so that you may believe… and have life in his name. This isn’t just a story about what happened. It’s about what is still happening—Jesus meeting people where they are, offering peace, and calling us into full and free life.
Sometimes we treat John 20 like the final scene of a beautiful story—the resurrection has happened, the tomb is empty, Jesus is alive. But it’s not really the end at all.
Jesus doesn’t return to reassure or recap. He comes to call—to invite his disciples (and us) into a new chapter of Spirit-led, grace-filled discipleship. These resurrection moments aren’t about wrapping things up; they’re mission briefings for what comes next. Jesus is setting things in motion—sending his followers out to be people of peace, healing, forgiveness, and bold, everyday hope.
He calls Mary by name and gives her the first word of resurrection. He meets the disciples behind locked doors and breathes peace and the Holy Spirit into them. He invites Thomas to bring his doubts—and offers him a deeper kind of faith. These are not just stories to remember but invitations to live differently.
This week, I invite you to pray with your eyes and imagination. Try Visio Divina—“divine seeing”—using John 20. Read the chapter slowly. Picture the scenes. Imagine:
· What would it feel like to be Mary, hearing your name spoken with love?
· What would it be like to sit in that room when Jesus suddenly stands among you and says, “Peace be with you”?
· How would it feel to see his wounds and know his mission of love is for you?
Let yourself step into the story. Notice where you are drawn. Write down a word or image that speaks to your heart—and carry that into your prayers this week.
Prayer
Risen Christ, thank you for meeting us in the middle of it all—in our grief, our fear, our questions. Thank you for not waiting until we get it all right before you send us. Breathe your peace into us again. Call us by name. And send us—as your disciples—to share your love in real, everyday ways. Amen.
GPS Insights
Debbie Dellinger
This week's prayer tip is by Debbie Dellinger, who serves as a pastoral intern at Resurrection Leawood.
