Prodigal Prayer Day: 7. I AM the Resurrection and the Life and Guidelines
In all the uncertainties of life, especially when you love a prodigal, and especially in this pandemic time, we seek something or someone solid, dependable, a sure foundation. We have all that in Jesus, whose name is I AM. We have looked at Bread of Life, Light of the World, the Door, the Good Shepherd, the Vine, and the Way, Truth and Life. Now it is time for the June 2 Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day, and we will discover our last I AM—Resurrection and Life. (Read John 11 and 17)
You probably know the story of Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha. Jesus liked to hang out at their home. Perhaps, after his disciples, they were His closest friends.
When Jesus was visiting for dinner one time, Martha was busy preparing the meal while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening. But when Martha complained to Jesus that Mary should be helping her, Jesus replied, “Martha, Martha,…you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)
It is this Martha who is chosen to receive the amazing I AM we look at today.
Jesus continued traveling around to tell the good news, and Lazarus became deathly ill. Mary and Martha sent for Jesus. But Jesus took His time going to them, and Lazarus died.
The first to greet him when He arrived was Martha, with a reprimand: “’Lord,’ Martha said to Jesus, ‘if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.’
“Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’
“Martha answered, ‘I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.’
“Jesus said to her, ‘I AM the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’
“’Yes, Lord,’ she replied, ‘I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.’” (John 11:21 -27)
Then, to demonstrate He really is the resurrection and the life, He called Lazarus forth from the tomb. He raised him from the dead.
In our previous study of the Way, the Truth and the Life, we were grateful that Jesus offered us eternal and abundant life—forever and while we are still on this earth.
This I AM tells how this is possible. Yes, we will die. Our earthly life will end. But those of us in Christ have this amazing promise: Resurrection. We join Jesus in the new, risen and eternal life.
And now I have a special word from Jesus for you and for your loved one. In John 17, as Jesus prays what is often called His high priestly prayer about His followers then and now, Jesus says to the Father:
“Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me….
“…I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” (John 17:11-15)
This assured hope sustains us who love these prodigals. Jesus has prayed—and continues to—that we—and our prodigals—are kept safe, protected by God Himself.
So keep praying—with confidence and trust and hope.
GUIDELINES FOR PRODIGAL PRAYER DAY
We are so grateful you have joined us for Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day. We are sorry that is a need in your life, but thankful to pray with you.
I will list frequently asked questions and brief answers.
Who may pray for prodigals on June 2? Anyone and everyone can pray—from all over the world. Most often people who love an at-risk or rebellious family member are eager to pray.
What is Prayer for Prodigals? Do I have to be a member? Prayer for Prodigals (P4P) is a community of people who have joined on our secure website for resources, encouragement and a safe place to request prayer and pray for others. It is free and all online. We sponsor the Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day, but you don’t have to be a member to pray with us. Information, resources and personal requests are available to members only because it is a password-protected site. You are welcome to join.
How do we pray? You may pray in any way that works for you: You may pray as long or as little as you like. Most people try to join with others—friends, neighbors, church—in small groups, or this year on zoom or google calls, at some point in the day. Or you can pray by yourself. I pray on and off throughout the day, ending with a group call.
I mean, how do we “pray”? Again, in any way you are comfortable. We have a booklet, Prayers for Your Wilderness Journey, that offers a variety of ways to pray and helpful Scriptures.
What is The List? This list is the centerpiece of the Prodigal Prayer Day. At this time we have more than 6000 names for whom prayer has been requested. It is only first names, but God knows each one. Some of us will pray through the entire list, lifting names up to God, asking for Him to keep on loving and pursuing them, drawing them back to those who love them and to Himself. Many will pray for a section (it’s alphabetical) or get as far as they can. We ask that everyone spend some time praying for people on The List. If you are a member of P4P, you can access the list there on the welcome page. If you are not a member (you are welcome to join us) you can access The List here.
How do we put names on the list? You can respond to this email or post, or write to prayerforprodigals@gmail.com. You may continue to add names through June 2.
Is there anything else we need to know? If you have not had an opportunity to read the devotionals on the “I AMs” of Jesus, to help prepare your heart and mind for intensive praying, you can begin with this post. Click on each previous post under the comment section to move on to the others.
Anything else? To bless you and encourage you as you pray, you might enjoy this prodigal playlist on Spotify.
If you live in the Orlando area and would like to pray on a Zoom call Tuesday evening, 7-9, let me or Dena Yohe know, or respond to this letter or post to let us know.