Weekly Prayer Guide: The Road to Emmaus

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. Luke 24:13-27

Monday: Can you look back on times Jesus was clearly with you, but you couldn’t recognize his presence at the time? What kept you from recognizing him?

Tuesday: These disciples said Jesus was “a prophet, powerful in word and deed.” Many people today think of him that way, but now, as then, that is an inadequate understanding that does not impart life or joy. Jesus is the living Savior! Let's praise his name!

Wednesday: These disciples had many facts, but lacked the faith needed to see the truth to which they pointed. Let's ask God to give us the faith to believe his promises and to see his work clearly.

Thursday: The disciples had specific expectations (political redemption) that interfered with them seeing the truth of what Jesus was doing. What expectations do you have of God? Are they in line with what Scripture tells us of God?

Friday: The disciples had access to the prophecies that Jesus would suffer and die, but they had focused on what fit their hopes and dreams. Let's ask God today to open our minds to anything he might want to tell us, even if it doesn't fit our current understanding of God or of the world.

Saturday: Sometimes it's hard to believe God's promises when all looks bleak or frightening. Let's pray for the faith to believe his promises, even when we don’t see what we’re hoping for.