He was away from the others when Jesus arrived.

Keep showing up with the gathered believers

Wait until you feel spiritually strong enough to return

Keep your distance and depend on secondhand reports

Assume one missed gathering does not really matter

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I admit that I have sinned and that I need your mercy. I turn from my sin and from trying to save myself. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I confess you as Lord, and I ask you to bring me close to you and keep me with you. Amen.

Come Near, Lord Jesus

Lord, revive your Church so we do not drift away when you are near. Wake us up to your presence, gather us faithfully, and make us ready to meet you together. Draw back the distracted, strengthen the isolated, and teach us to stay with one another in love, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Make Your Church Ready

Father, when I feel like I have missed what you are doing, draw me back without shame. Help me trust that you still know my name, and give me courage to return to the place where your people are gathered, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

When I Feel Left Out

Give thanks for the way God notices each person by name; for places of belonging; for a second chance to return when you have been absent; and for the gift of staying connected with his people.

Thanks for Being Seen

Lord, keep your people from isolation and spiritual drifting. Make us faithful to gather, attentive to one another, and ready to recognize your work among us. Give us hearts that do not miss you because we have kept away, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Keep Us Together

Pray by naming one place where you have been absent or disconnected, asking God for courage to return, and asking for one concrete step that will help you stay present with Jesus and his people this week.

Pray for Faithful Presence

Θωμᾶς{tho-MAS###thoh-MAHS###Thomas} δὲ{DE###DEH###now} εἷς{HEES###HEES###one} ἐκ{ek###ehk###of} τῶν{ton###tohn###the} δώδεκα,{DO-the-ka###DOH-theh-kah###twelve} ὁ{HO###HOH###the one} λεγόμενος{le-GO-me-nos###leh-GOH-meh-nohs###called} Δίδυμος,{DEE-dee-mos###DEE-dee-mohs###Twin} οὐκ{ook###ook###not} ἦν{EEN###EEN###(He) was} μετʼ{met###meht###with} αὐτῶν{af-TON###ahf-TOHN###them} ὅτε{HO-te###HOH-teh###when} ⸀ἦλθεν{EEL-then###EEL-then###(He) came} Ἰησοῦς.{ee-ee-SOOS###ee-ee-SOOS###Jesus}

John 20:24 — LiteralTAB

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