Message:
Jesus, as You triumphantly entered Jerusalem, You wept over the city because its people did not recognize why Your arrival mattered. And although Your disciples rejoiced, they did not fully understand what they were rejoicing over, because Your victory was to be an eternal one. But I am living in the reality that Your victory over death brought. So as I prepare for Easter, please help me to recognize and welcome Your presence. Amen.
Prayer:
Loving Father, as I come before You in this moment, my heart is filled with gratitude for the incredible gift of Your Son, Jesus. In His entry into Jerusalem, I see a beautiful juxtaposition of joy and sorrow. The joy of the disciples mingled with the grief of a Savior who sees His city’s hard heart. I recognize that often I, too, live in a state of unawareness, caught up in the noise of life, missing the sacred moments when You stand ready to embrace me.
Help me, Lord, to remove the distractions that cloud my understanding. I long for a deeper awareness of Your presence in my life. Just as the people of Jerusalem failed to see beyond their expectations, I often struggle to perceive Your true purpose and plan. Open my eyes to recognize the ways You move, the subtle nudges You give, and the calls to deeper faith that surround me daily.
As I prepare my heart for Easter, remind me of the significance of Your victory over sin and death. This Easter is not merely a date on the calendar but a transformative journey that invites me into resurrection life. Jesus, Your triumph is not just for a moment but for eternity, and I want to dwell in that truth. Help me to celebrate not just Your arrival but also the profound love and sacrifice that came with it.
Teach me to welcome You into every facet of my life. May I create space for You to dwell within me, filling my heart with hope, joy, and peace. In moments when I feel unworthy or lost, remind me of the worth You placed on my life through Your incredible love. I pray for an open heart, ready to embrace what lies ahead and to share Your love with those around me.
As the resurrection approaches, may I not only commemorate Your victory but actively participate in the unfolding story of grace and mercy. Lead me in paths of righteousness, and let Your light shine brightly through me, that others may see and know You. Fill me with boldness to testify to the joy of salvation and to live in the assurance that because of You, I am free.
In Your powerful name, I pray for these things, trusting in Your goodness and love. Amen.
Jackie
