10 Apr Resurrection Prayers
The resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is the most significant historical event, and with perpetual life changing impact for all. Regarding prayer, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in salvation, the resurrection eternally gives access to life, relationship, identity, and all the authority and resources of Christ that enable and empower believers to worship in Spirit and in truth, to relate to God in love and obedience, and to prayerfully intercede from a position of victory, imputed righteousness and confidence.
With their faith shaken, the disciples were seen in John 20:19-22 hiding behind locked doors in fear of the Jewish leaders following the death and disappearance of the body of Jesus, and perhaps not fully grasping the resurrection (vs. 9). Jesus suddenly stood among them and spoke. He said, “Peace be with you!” (vs.19b) Consider this – His presence; our peace. Psalm 16:11b says, “…you fill me with joy in your presence….”
Jesus showed them the scars in His hands and side to identify himself and they were overjoyed when they saw Jesus and knew Him (vs. 20). His wounds; our comfort. Psalm 53:5b says, “…by his wounds we are healed.”
Jesus again spoke his peace to the disciples and gave an assignment with purpose by identifying them with His own. “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (vs. 21b) He continued by speaking a mixed gift and command to be received and fulfilled at Pentecost that would undergird the assignment, “And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” (vs. 22) Their life and purpose were ignited in the Holy Spirit sent by Jesus. God breathed life into Adam in creation. After Jesus conquered sin on the cross and by the resurrection, He breathed on the disciples bestowing spiritual life and purpose by the Holy Spirit. Life and ministry were not to be ended or even crippled in fear by the cross. This was new life, new breath, new ministry. His breath; our life.
Believers are in a sound position to pray. We have peaceful fellowship in His presence. We identify with His wounds which brought us comfort from sin and condemnation. We have indestructible life in the Holy Spirit. Pray in the power of the resurrection! Pray importunately and without reserve. In Acts 4:31, The disciples no longer hid in fear. Their prayers were potent, “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”
Greg Murphy – Pastor, Pastoral Care, Prayer, and Life Discovery
Note – Richard Blackaby will be the guest speaker for the National Day of Prayer Breakfast on May 4, and will speak in the Wednesday evening prayer service on May 3. Please begin to pray as the Lord leads you. Watch for registration at idlewild.org.