Daily Encounters for 13 April 2026

Published: Mon, 04/13/26

Updated: Mon, 04/13/26

Monday, 13 April 2026

Jesus…said, “Peace be with you!”

(John 20:19)

John 20:19-31

The days following Jesus’ death and resurrection were not easy for the disciples. They were grappling with many questions, and I am sure the uppermost question was “What do we do now?” Their community had seen the disciples in Jesus’ company; would they turn on the disciples next? Understandably, they locked themselves in their meeting room, each knowing in their hearts that they needed clarity and courage. Then, Jesus appears among them. His opening words are a sweet sound in their ears and a soothing experience in their troubled hearts: “Peace be with you!”

Have you ever experienced the presence of Jesus with you in the midst of a troubled time? Perhaps as you read this, you or someone you know is struggling. Could this be an opportunity to open up to receive Jesus peace?

What might this peace be like? A calming of a fear? The easing of pain? A glimmer of hope? A sense of clarity? A job opportunity? A place to stay? A healing of a relationship? A need to simply know deep within that Jesus is truly alive.

As we begin our week, let us take an opportunity to just be still in Jesus’ presence with open hands and open heart and let Jesus meet you as you are. Do not judge yourself or your situation. Simply hold it before Jesus and be still.

Then you might wish to end your time with Jesus with this prayer:

Lord, open unto me.

Open unto me, light for my darkness.

Open unto me, courage for my fear.

Open unto me, hope for my despair.

Open unto me, peace for my turmoil.

Open unto me, joy for my sorrow.

Open unto me, strength for my weakness.

Open unto me, wisdom for my confusion.

Open unto me, forgiveness for my sins.

Open unto me, tenderness for my toughness.

Open unto me, love for my hates.