God of Comfort
Invitation to connect with Jesus
As you settle in to spend time with God today, try to find a quiet space where you won't be interrupted. Silence your phone. Grab your journal and a pen. Sit comfortably with your hands open in a posture that allows you to receive from the Lord.
Take a few slow, deep breaths:
- Breathe in: God's peace
- Breathe out: Any distractions
Opening Prayer: "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening. Open my eyes to see, my ears to hear, and my heart to receive what You want to say to me today."
Today's Scripture Reading
Read today's passage slowly a few times and listen with your heart.
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, "Woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
John 19:25-30 (NIV)
After reading, pause for a moment and then ask: What word or phrase catches my attention?
Meditation
Read the passage again, slowly, focusing on your word or phrase.
In Jesus's last moments on earth, as He experienced extreme suffering and humiliation, He saw the grief of those He loved and He acted. He gave His mother John as a son, and vice versa, knowing that they were going to need each other in the days to come. There is great comfort knowing that our Savior sees our suffering and acts.
Take a moment to reflect on these questions.
- Are you experiencing any grief or suffering where you need revelation of God and His compassion and comfort?
- Do you see any ways God is currently acting on your behalf?
- What is the significance of Jesus saying, "It is finished?" How does that impact us today?
Conversation with God (Prayer)
Read through the passage one more time, allowing the Scripture to lead you to respond to God in prayer. Open your heart and be honest with Him about what you are experiencing. Talk to Him about what comes to mind, and how He might be inviting you to respond.
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, "Woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
John 19:25-30 (NIV)
Are you feeling led toward a prayer of praise? Repentance? A plea for help or healing?
Contemplation
Rest in the awareness of God's presence, remaining open to anything else the Holy Spirit might stir in your heart. If your mind wanders, gently redirect your thoughts toward God. Simply be still. Enjoy a moment of fellowship with God that goes deeper than words.
Rest. Breathe. Be.
Closing Prayer:
God of all comfort and compassion, thank you for seeing us in our grief. You are a savior who is well acquainted with grief. Help us turn toward You in our pain. Show us the ways in which You are acting on our behalf, and give us the courage and faith to trust You in the ways we don't see it yet. In the depths of our pain, show us the depths of the meaning, "It is finished." Amen.