Pause

Suddenly, Jesus is there.

After his death, after his resurrection, Jesus shows up again for his followers. And each time it is a stunning experience for them.

Things haven't changed. When Jesus appears in our lives it still takes us by surprise. It could happen any moment, however ready we are – or not.

Listen

After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

John 21:1-3

Think

I sit in a favorite chair during my quiet time with God and the Word. Some days I struggle to sit still because my mind is racing in too many directions. At times like these the most prayerful thing I can do is get out of my chair and onto my bike. Once I’m on the trail the chatter in my mind disappears. As my body engages the steady rhythm of pedaling, I find a spiritual stillness that opens up an interior path for prayer. I can talk to God and sense the nearness of Christ in ways that were eluding me in the prayer chair.

Maybe the thing that prompts Peter to tell his friends “I am going fishing” is like my need to go cycling. Peter is waiting for Jesus, but sitting still is making him crazy. He needs to get outside and do something physical. Once he’s in the boat, all his anxiety is gone. And that’s when Jesus calls.

What do you love to do? How might this activity open up in you a space for prayer?

Tammy Wiens-Sorge

Pray

Patient God, thank you for all the ways you quiet me on the inside. Thank you for listening to my prayers no matter where I am or what I am doing. Thank you for helping me to hear your answers to my prayers. Amen.

Go

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love....

He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us.

Psalm 103:8, 10-12