Quiet Table Guide: February 22-28

Scripture for the week: ‭‭John 11:38-46

Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

1. Ready Your Heart

Begin with a moment of silence or a short prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your time together.

2. Read

Slowly read this week’s passage. (Consider reading it out loud or in a different translation each day.)

3. Reflect

What word, phrase, or image stands out to you today? What in your life might the Holy Spirit be drawing your attention to?

4. Respond

How can you allow this word to shape your interactions, decisions, or perspective today?

5. Receive

Spend a few moments in stillness, surrendering your thoughts, plans, and actions to God and resting in the presence of Jesus.

6. Practice: Encountering Jesus

I believe many of us are being invited this week not just to believe in Jesus, but to encounter him

Belief can remain ideas we hold in our minds

Trust grows when we experience his presence in our lives

So, I want to encourage you to do two things:

First, each day this week, I want to invite you to create space to meet Jesus

Pay attention each day and begin noticing Jesus with you in ordinary moments

When stress rises or fear surfaces, pause and pray:

Jesus, be with me here

Trust grows when we discover we are not alone

Second, ask the Holy Spirit to give you eyes to see Jesus in the ordinary

• We can encounter Jesus while reading our Bible

• We can encounter Jesus in nature

• We can encounter Jesus in a conversation

Trust grows when we encounter Jesus in our ordinary, daily lives