READ John 11
After Jesus raises his close friend, Lazarus, from the dead, many believe in Him.

INSIGHT
Jesus was ministering on the east side of the Jordan River, about a day’s walk from Bethany, when Lazarus fell sick. Messengers were sent to tell Jesus, who waited two days before returning to Bethany. He found that Lazarus had been dead for four days, apparently having died the same day the messengers were dispatched. So Lazarus was dead by the time Jesus learned about his illness. Why, then, did Jesus delay His return for two days? Jesus knew Lazarus’ condition. His delay was to heighten the manifestation of the power of God. Jesus called, “Lazarus, come forth!” And Lazarus came forth. The result of this miracle? Many of the Jews believed in Him, and the Son of God was glorified.

PRAYER
As a God, both of power and compassion, we offer Him our praise:
Then the Levites — Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani,
Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah,
and Pethahiah — said, “Stand up.
Blessed be the Lord your God
from everlasting to everlasting.”  
Blessed be your glorious name,  
and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise.
You, Lord, are the only God.  
You created the heavens,
the highest heavens with all their stars,
the earth and all that is on it,
the seas and all that is in them.
You give life to all of them,  
and all the stars of heaven worship you
(Nehemiah 9:5-6).

Pause for personal praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears,
and rescues them from all their troubles.  
The Lord is near the brokenhearted;
he saves those crushed in spirit
(Psalm 34:17-18).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pause to pray this affirmation to the Lord:
But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:

• A stronger desire to be like Christ
• The ministries of your church
• Your activities for the day
• Whatever else is on your heart

Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us — to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21).