Corrected prayerbook 1.11.22

Meeting Jesus
in the Garden

A 30 Day Journey of
Devotional Prayer

by Anne Holland



A 30 Day Journey of
Devotional Prayer

by

Anne Holland

© Copyright Anne Holland 2022
[email protected]
Second edition 2022

ISBN 978-965-598-220-6

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means
without permission from the author.

With special thanks to
Renata Rivkin and Peter Spaander

for their photographs.

All Scripture texts are taken from the NRSV.

“Welcome to the Garden Tomb!” 

We greet you just as warmly as we greet each 
visitor who comes through our gates to spend time in
this beautiful garden in Jerusalem, which is one of the
possible locations of the death, burial and resurrection
of Jesus Christ. We’re delighted that you will be joining

us in prayer by following this 30 day devotional.

God loves to meet people in gardens, just as he met with Adam
and Eve in the Garden of Eden and when he greeted Mary Magda-
lene on his resurrection morning. Therefore, during the first week
of prayer, we begin to reflect on the Easter events because this is
the story we share with our visitors; the reason we are here.  

As you visit the garden in your imagination each day to pray,
choose a place where you can be quiet.
 
While you pray, if you feel moved by a scripture, picture or ques-
tion, pause to give yourself time to reflect on this with the Lord; let
the Holy Spirit be your guide.

You may like to keep a journal during the 30 days, to make notes
about your meetings with Jesus. It might also be helpful to meet
regularly with a friend or prayer partner during this time, so that
you can share the things you notice or feel.

Most importantly, walk slowly, pause often, and enjoy keeping
company with Him.

Finally, a prayer of St. Paul for you, as you begin:

I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant
that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power
through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts
through faith as you are being rooted and grounded in love.

 
Ephesians 3: 16,17

My beloved speaks and says to me:
“Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away;
for now, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone.

The flowers appear on the earth;
the time of singing has come,
and the voice of the turtle dove
is heard in our land.”

Song of Songs 2:10-12

Day 1

An Invitation

The invitation is enticing, as we imagine the fresh, early days of spring.
God is offering his hand to take yours, to draw you into his garden, to
walk with him, to delight in the sights and sounds of this new season
together.

In springtime in Jerusalem, these words from the Song of Songs leap
into life. We awake in the mornings to the sound of cooing doves, the
winter rains subside and we begin to see the fruit trees blossom. Sud-
denly, the garden is filled with vibrant colour and the sweet fragrance of
lilies, honeysuckle and jasmine.

What do you anticipate as you begin your journey? Perhaps there is
something you are longing to discuss with the Lord, an issue or petition
to bring to him in prayer, or maybe this is the season to spend quality
time with him?

Become still for a minute or two
then share these things with the Lord.

Picture Jesus reaching out his hand to take yours.
How do you respond?

Jesus said to them, “Come and see.”

John 1:39

In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and
went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. Simon
and his companions hunted for him. When they found him,

they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.”

Mark 1:35-37

Day 2

Jesus Prays

How Jesus must have longed for the time and space to be alone with his
Father to pray; now, refreshed by sleep, he has a quiet moment to begin
his day.

As I write, it’s 6am on a summer morning and the sun is rising behind
the tomb area. There is a beautiful stillness.

Where is your quiet space?
If you haven’t found one, ask God to show you.

When are your still moments during the day?

In our reading, even Jesus was disturbed during his time of prayer. Life
is busy, so any time we can spend with the Lord is a gift.

What things in your life prevent you from drawing away to be with
him? Are you able to make any changes?

As you begin to pray today, focus on becoming still. Even if you are
surrounded by noise and activity, see if you can become quiet within.

First, notice the everyday things around you, then listen to the sound
and pace of your own breathing until you feel calm.

Knowing that the Lord is with you, remain in this quiet attitude for as
long as you are able.

“Be still and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:10

Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks
on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on
the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had

cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those
who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one

who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!

Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Mark 11:7-10

Day 3

Hosanna!

Today, we begin to pray with the Scriptures that lead up to the death,
burial and resurrection of Jesus.

As you read the passage, imagine yourself as one of the crowd, reaching
up to pull down one of the palm branches from the tree, in readiness to
welcome him.

You listen to the crowd shouting, “Hosanna! Hosanna!” to their Saviour.
Now, as Jesus comes riding on a donkey, watch people as they lay down
their coats on his path.
You may wonder: what kind of Saviour is this?

The word hosanna means save us.
Perhaps you are in need of the Saviour?
What do you want to call out to him as he passes by?
Do you know someone who needs to be saved?
What are their circumstances? Tell the Lord about them.

The crowd shout,

“Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”
As part of your prayer time, you might feel moved to sing or listen to

your favourite worship song or shout aloud your praises.

As Jesus rides into Jerusalem, he is journeying towards suffering and
death on the cross. Picture him now and commit to staying close to him
in these days of prayer.

Lo, your king comes to you.
Zechariah 9:9

Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks,
He broke it, and gave it to them, saying,
“This is my body which is given for you.
Do this in remembrance of me.”

And he did the same thing with the cup after supper, saying,
“This cup that is poured out for you
is the new covenant in my blood.”

Luke 22:19, 20

Day 4

Remember Me

Jesus shared the Passover meal with his disciples in an upper room in
Jerusalem; a Jewish feast created to remember God’s deliverance of his
people from slavery.

Imagine now, that you are among the disciples at the Passover
table. You watch Jesus’ hands breaking the bread as he says,

“This is my body, which is given for you.”
He hands you the bread.

Now see him offering the wine to you,
“This cup that is poured out for you...”

Jesus asks us to remember him whenever we break bread and share
wine together. Can you imagine the atmosphere around the table on
this night? Picture the disciples as they share the meal together; what do
you notice?

Each day at the Garden Tomb, groups of visitors gather for Holy Com-
munion following their visit to the tomb. Please pray that each meeting
will be memorable, as they share this meal and remember His incredible
sacrifice.

Tell Jesus all that he means to you.

Give thanks for the freedom found through Jesus’ sacrifice for you.

“Do this in remembrance of me.”

Luke 22:19b

They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his
disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took with him Peter and
James and John and began to be distressed and agitated. And
he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain
here, and keep awake.” And going on a little farther, he threw
himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the

hour might pass from him. He said, “Abba, Father,
for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me;

yet not what I want, but what you want.”

Mark 14:32-36

Day 5

Gethsemane

Our olive trees come from Galilee; they provide welcome shade as our
visitors gather to listen to their guide. The trees are reminiscent of the
olive trees at the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed before his
arrest. Gethsemane means oil press or place of crushing.

Today we meet Jesus at a time of immense sorrow, as the weight of his
impending affliction sits heavily on his shoulders and in his soul.
He says to his disciples,

“I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.”

In your imagination, try to picture him beneath the olive trees.
He invites you to wait close by.

As he prays, he is pleading with Abba, his Father, to remove the cup of
suffering from him. In your imagination, sit with Jesus in the garden
underneath the trees. Notice the night shadows and the sounds around
you.

What is it like to see the Lord on his knees in such deep agitation and
distress?

How does it feel to know that he is about to willingly surrender His life
for love of you?

Is there anything you want to tell him today?

Is there someone you know experiencing a time of crushing?
Pray for them.

Then they seized him and led him away.

Luke 22:54

When they came to the place that is called
The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the
criminals, one on his right and one on his left.

Then Jesus said, “Father forgive them,
for they do not know what they are doing.”

Luke 23:33, 34

Day 6

Father, Forgive Them

Here is the area we call Skull Hill, a rocky outcrop close to the garden
which is a possible site of the crucifixion of Jesus. The Romans conduct-
ed executions in public places so that many could see the shame of the
criminals. In the time of Jesus, this area would have been a major thor-
oughfare to North Jerusalem.

As Jesus died on the cross, he prayed for his tormentors,

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

In which areas of your life do you recognise sin and your need of the
forgiveness of Jesus?

Maybe someone you know needs your forgiveness?

Below Skull Hill is a bus station, where travellers come and go each day,
many of whom are not aware of Jesus who suffered and died for them
in their place.

Pray for someone you know, who doesn’t yet know about Jesus and his
love for them.

Reflect on the words below; how has the death of Jesus on the cross and
his forgiveness changed and shaped your life?

But he was wounded for our transgressions,
crushed for our iniquities;

upon him was the punishment that made us whole,
and by his wounds we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5

Now there was a garden near the place where he was
crucified, and in the garden was a new tomb in which no one
had ever been laid. And so, because it was the Jewish day of
Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

John 19:41, 42

Day 7

The Garden Tomb

Joseph of Arimathea gave his new, unused tomb to Jesus; Nicodemus
brought myrrh and aloes; and they wrapped Jesus’ body in a linen cloth
and laid him in the tomb.

These preparations suggest such tender and practical care of the body
of Jesus, which was now held in kind hands. After hours of agony, the
Lord’s body was laid to rest.

To be separated by death seems so final. We can be in deep shock during
a funeral or memorial, unable to feel anything at all, while others may
be overwhelmed by their grief.

Talk to God about a bereavement you have experienced.
Tell him about your sadness, knowing that he understands.

A large stone was rolled in front of the tomb.

Our grief can become an obstacle in our life, like a stone, that seems
immoveable and separates us from God. If this feels like your experi-
ence, talk to the Lord about this today.

The following day was the Sabbath, so the disciples were unable to
return to the tomb until Sunday.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil; for you are with me;

your rod and your staff—they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will
look for me; and as I said to the Jews, so now I say to you,

‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ ”

John 13:33

Day 8

Wait...

The day between the death and resurrection of Jesus perhaps seems a
strange day, when we’re not sure what to do. We might fill our time
with practical tasks, preparations for Sunday, but still, we can feel as if
something is unresolved.

We may feel restless, incomplete and empty, even though we know that
tomorrow, we will celebrate the rising of Jesus from the dead; but for
now, we wait…

Today, spend some time simply being with God.You may like to imag-
ine that you are walking around the garden here, or visit a garden near
you.

Notice the life around you—creatures, birds, plants—or if it’s winter,
notice the dormancy of life in nature.

Do you have any unresolved or dormant situations in your life?
Pray about these.

Tell Jesus about someone who is waiting for an answer to prayer; maybe
this is you. Pray for a current situation in the world that appears to be
hopeless. Spend time in silent prayer, waiting...

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.

Psalm 27:14

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she
bent over to look in the tomb; and she saw two angels in white,
sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head
and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are
you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my
Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she
had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there,
but she did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman,
why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Suppos-
ing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have
carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will
take him away.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in
Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher).

John 20: 1-16

Day 9

He is Risen!

Alleluia! He is Risen!

Give thanks to God for the resurrection of Jesus and for this very
moving encounter between Mary Magdalene and the Risen Lord.

Imagine that you meet the Risen Lord in the garden.
Listen as he greets you by name...
How do you respond?

Maybe, like Mary we don’t immediately recognise the presence of the
Lord in our lives. He sometimes speaks to us in different ways than we
anticipate or imagine.

Can you remember a time like this?

The resurrection means that we can know our Saviour today and for all
eternity, when one day we too will meet him face to face.

Can you picture that moment?

Often, when our visitors enter the empty tomb, the resurrection of our
Lord Jesus becomes a reality and they feel overwhelmed by the good-
ness and grace of God. How do you experience his grace?

As you look at the empty tomb, spend some time in worship,
celebrating the goodness of God.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

2 Corinthians 9:15

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and
the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked

for fear of the Jews,
Jesus came and stood among them and said,

“Peace be with you.”

John 20:19

Day 10

Peace be With You

“Peace be with you.” These must have been such welcome words com-
ing from the lips of the Prince of Peace himself to greet the frightened
disciples.

Is there something that makes you feel afraid?
What situations do you need peace for today?

Talk to Jesus about these things.

Now imagine that Jesus is saying these words to you,

“Peace be with you…”

Let his words sink down from your head, into your heart and soul.

Jesus shows the disciples the wounds in his hands and feet. Pray for
those you know who are wounded in body, mind or spirit.
May they know his peace.

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you,
as the Father has sent me, so I send you.”

When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,
“Receive the Holy Spirit.”

John 20:21, 22

Imagine Jesus breathing on you; ask to receive his Holy Spirit right
now, as you pray.

Where might he send you?

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”
He said to him,
“Yes Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

John 21:15

Day 11

Restored

After the arrest of Jesus, the disciple Peter denied three times that he was
associated with him. Now, Jesus gives Peter the opportunity to renew
his love, and in doing so perhaps he recalls the shame of rejecting his
Lord.

Do you remember a time when you disappointed a friend?
How did that feel?

Perhaps you can recall times when you feel you have disappointed God?
Have you sought reconciliation with him?

Listen to the Lord asking you, “Do you love me?”

Reply to him in your own words.

Pray for reconciliation in the wider world.
Where do you see the need for this at present?

Pray that the Garden Tomb will be a place where people can find peace
and restoration in their relationship with God.

Look to him, and be radiant;
so that your faces shall never be ashamed.

Psalm 34:5

When he was at the table with them, he took bread,
blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were

opened, and they recognised him; and he vanished
from their sight. They said to each other,

“Were not our hearts burning within us while he was
talking to us on the road, while he was opening
the scriptures to us?”

Luke 24:30-32

Day 12

Emmaus

The picture Emmaus, by the artist Matt Herriot, was commissioned for
the new Emmaus Chapel.

Spend a while gazing at the hands of Jesus; what do you notice?

As they walked with the Lord on the road, the disciples didn’t recog-
nise him. It was only when he broke bread at supper that their eyes
were opened and they recalled how their hearts were burning when he
opened the scriptures.

As you reflect on this encounter, do you remember a time when your
heart burned within you as you read scripture or prayed?

Give thanks for this moment.

The disciples respond to their encounter with the Risen Lord by running
all the way back to Jerusalem to share their news.

Who could you run to, to share the good news of the Risen Lord with
today?

Pray for pilgrims visiting the Holy Land; may their hearts also burn
within them, as they open the scriptures here.

“You will seek me and find me
when you seek me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah 29:13

And when Jesus had been baptised, just as he came up from
the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he
saw the spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on

him. And a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved,
with whom I am well pleased.”

Matthew 3:16, 17

Day 13

The Beloved

Take a moment to imagine the scene as Jesus plunges below the water in
the Jordan River to be baptised by John the Baptist.

As he rises, see the Holy Spirit descend like a dove, landing on him.
Now hear the words, “This is my Son, the Beloved.” These words tell
us about the relationship Jesus has with his Father, who is well pleased
with him.

Notice that Jesus is affirmed and loved by Abba even before his work
has started.

Can you believe that Abba looks upon you in this way?

Listen now, as he calls you beloved. If you struggle with this thought, talk
to the Lord about why this is difficult.

Do you remember a significant time in your faith, such as your baptism
or the moment you decided to follow Jesus?

Give thanks for this time and for those who have encouraged you on
your journey.

Pray today for any new believers you know, who seek to grow in their
faith. How might you encourage them today?

Pray for all who visit the Garden Tomb, that they too will encounter the
love of Abba whilst here.

See what love the Father has given us,
that we should be called children of God;

and that is what we are.

1 John 3:1

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us to the time of trial,
but rescue us from the evil one.”

Matthew 6:9-13

Day 14

Our Father

Today, we read a well-known prayer, loved by many, often recited since
childhood, known as the Our Father, the Lord’s Prayer, or the prayer
that Jesus taught us.

Begin your prayer today by saying the version of the prayer most fa-
miliar to you, but recite it in a different way. Try pausing for a while
between each line to let the full impact of the words settle in your heart
and mind.

As you pray, if you notice any thoughts or feelings arising, remain with
these, then return to the prayer when you are ready.

Let the Holy Spirit guide you as you pray.

Which words of the prayer most inspire you today?
Which are the most challenging?

Many people visit the garden knowing it to be an oasis of quiet to meet
with God.

Pray that they will find what they are looking for as they seek the
Father in prayer.

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves,
pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways,
then I will hear from heaven, and forgive their sin
and heal their land.

2 Chronicles: 14

“Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow, nor reap, nor
gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by

worrying add a single hour to your span of life?”

Matthew 6:26, 27

Day 15

The Birds of the Air

One of the pleasures of spending time in the garden is listening to the
birdsong that Jesus might have heard.

Take a look at the birds around you, or remember some you’ve recently
noticed:

“Are you not of more value than they?” Jesus asks.

Concern about provision is a normal part of our lives such as, where
we live, what we eat and how we pay our bills. The Lord understands
our needs. However, he wants us to know that we are of infinite value
to him and spending time worrying won’t extend our life. Instead, he
wants us to tell him about our anxieties.

Today as you pray, talk openly to Jesus about your needs.
Try praying with open hands and imagine that you’re holding all your
concerns in them. Let him look at them with you, one by one.

Take your time with this prayer, knowing that Jesus is a good listener;
the Bible tells us he is the Wonderful Counsellor.

Now talk to Jesus about your concerns for the world, perhaps events
you have heard about in today’s news.

Listen out for birdsong for the rest of the day, as a reminder
that the Lord cares for you.

Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7

“And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the
lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin,
yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed
like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field,
which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire,

will he not much more clothe you—
you of little faith?”

Matthew 6:28-30

Day 16

Consider the Lilies

The lilies in the garden were growing throughout the spring, but we
didn’t notice them until they were in full bloom, when our breath was
taken away by their pure beauty.

Imagine Jesus as he speaks, turning to point to a lily like the one in our
picture, inviting his listeners to,

“Consider the lilies of the field…”

He tells us that we are not to worry about what we will wear, but this
can be difficult in today’s culture where image is very important.
In which ways does this challenge you?

Ask Jesus to show you how he sees you.

Look closely at the lily, or perhaps a nearby plant or tree.
Appreciate the way that it has been clothed with leaves, bark or petals,
noticing the smallest details.

Call to mind the ways God provides for you and worship him today.

“But strive first for the kingdom of God
and his righteousness, and all these things

will be given to you as well.”

Matthew 6:33

Jesus said, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all
your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and

with all your strength.”

Mark 12:30

Day 17

Love the Lord Your God

How do you express your love to God?

There are many ways of doing this. We remember how Mary of Bethany
sat listening attentively at the feet of Jesus, but we may be more familiar
with her sister Martha’s expression of love, by service.

Today, find a quiet place where you won’t be distracted or interrupted,
and commit this time to the Lord. Let your prayer be to simply sit with
the Lord, giving him your loving attention.

Respond to Jesus’ commandment with these words:

I love you with all my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength.

Repeat these words for as long as you feel comfortable. How do you feel
as you say them? You may prefer to use your own words.

After a while become silent, as if you and the Lord are two friends sitting
side by side in the garden.

See if any conversation arises between you, or just enjoy being quiet.

Solomon said, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no 
God like you, in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant in

steadfast love with your servants
who walk before you with all their heart.”

2 Chronicles 6:14

“The second commandment is this:
Love your neighbour as yourself.”

Mark 12:31

Day 18

Love Your Neighbour

The neighbours of the Garden Tomb are St. Stephen’s Bible School, the
Schmidt School and opposite, the Franciscan Community of the White
Sisters. Above Skull Hill is a Muslim cemetery and below, a bus station.
We pray for good relationships with our neighbours.

As you pray today, imagine that you are taking a walk around your
neighbourhood with Jesus. Tell him about your neighbours; those who
are familiar, the homes of people you haven’t met and those who give
you cause for concern.

Now imagine that Jesus leads you around your neighbourhood…
Where does he take you?
Perhaps there is someone he wants you to notice. For whom does he
show concern?
Is there someone he would like you to meet?
Take time on this journey.

When you feel ready, walk home together, taking a long look up and
down your street. Now pray the following blessing over your neigh-
bourhood:

May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up the light of his

countenance upon you, and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

Finally, as you imagine opening your own door, invite Jesus inside,
and ask him to bless your home and those who live there.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working
for the Lord, not for human masters.

Colossians 3:23

Day 19

With all Your Heart

We can’t be certain that our garden belonged to Joseph of Arimathea, but
the excavation of a Roman winepress shows us that around the time of
Jesus it would have been a vineyard, where workers would have grown
and tended vines, then harvested and pressed the grapes.

Nowadays, there is still much work to be done such as gardening, clean-
ing, maintenance, serving in the shop and administration. Please pray
for the work of the Garden Tomb employees as they serve God here.

Please also pray for our community guides as they show groups around
the garden, recounting the story of the death, burial and resurrection of
Jesus.

Talk to Jesus about your work or daily routine, telling him about the jobs
you enjoy and those you struggle to do with all your heart. Commit all
these tasks to him.

Invite Jesus to be present with you in your work today, and if you work
with others, pray for them. Remember someone you know who is un-
employed or struggling with a demanding job.

May you experience God’s peace in your workplace or home today.
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13

In those days when there was again a great crowd without
anything to eat, he called his disciples and said to them,
“I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been
with me for three days and have nothing to eat.”

Mark 8:1, 2

Day 20

Compassion for the Crowd

In recent years the numbers of visitors to the Garden Tomb have
increased. During the busiest season we welcomed around 3,000
people throughout the day!

Our visitors often arrive feeling weary after exploring many of the Holy
Land sites. Although we can’t physically feed them, we do offer water
fountains, places to sit and rest in the shade, along with space for wor-
ship and prayer.

Perhaps you’ve been to the Garden Tomb as a visitor; spend some time
recalling your visit.

If you haven’t been to the garden, imagine arriving on a hot day, in the
midst of a busy schedule, sitting down on a cool stone bench below the
pine trees as you rest your feet. How does this feel?

Now picture Jesus looking at you with compassion. Tell him about
something you hunger or thirst for today. They ate and they were filled…
We pray that each visitor will be refreshed and revived whilst here.

Pray today for someone you know who is either spiritually or physically
hungry. Imagine Jesus looking at them with compassion. The disciples
worked alongside Jesus to distribute bread and fish to the crowd. Per-
haps there is something he wants you to do?

They ate and were filled; and they
took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full.

Mark 8:8

Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will

have the light of life.”

John 8:12

Day 21

I am the Light of the World

The Garden Tomb is blessed by the 120 nations who come through our
gates each year. The meeting places resound with worship songs in
many different languages. We also highly value the global community
of volunteers who come to serve. Jesus said, 

“I am the light of the world.” 

What do his words mean to you today?

Jesus made this claim as he stood in the temple, in the centre of the
treasury court where four great candelabra were lit when it grew dark.
It was said they sent such a blaze of light throughout Jerusalem that
every courtyard was lit up with its brilliance, as they continued to shine
throughout the night.

We all experience darkness in the world and need to know the light that
Jesus brings. One day Jesus, the radiance of the Father, will return and
will fill the world—every street—with His light.

Is there someone you know who feels they are walking in darkness, or is
there a situation in the world where the darkness seems overwhelming?
Ask Jesus to shine light into their darkness today.

Pray that all who come to the garden may take his light with them as
they return to their own part of this beautiful but dark world. 

How do you shine His light in your part of the world?

“But I will also make you a light to the nations—
    so that all the world may be saved.”

Isaiah 49:6b

“I am the vine and you are the branches.
Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because

apart from me you can do nothing.”

John 15:5

Day 22

An abundant vine covers the entrance of the garden, providing shade
and producing delicious grapes. It’s a great visual reminder of Jesus’
words as we enter through the gates.

“I am the vine and you are the branches.”

What would it be like to be a branch, joined to this vine? To be tended by
the gardener and bear abundant fruit?

“Those who abide in me will bear much fruit.”

What does it mean to you to abide in Jesus?

“Apart from me you can do nothing.”

We cannot bear fruit if we’re not attached to the vine.
Perhaps you feel distant from Jesus and his life-giving love, feeling like
a withered branch? (John 15:6) Ask Jesus to help you to begin to abide
in him again.

Look at the fruit on the vine. Imagine that as you walk under the vine,
you pick some grapes to eat; taste the sweetness of this fruit, grown for
the good of others.

Ask God to show you how your abiding has produced fruit.

“As the Father has loved me,
so I have loved you; abide in my love.”

John 15:9

I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved
They will come in and go out, and find pasture.

John 10:9 NIV