It’s an early morning when the air is crisp, sitting at a table outside of a cafe - a coffee in hand and speaking to someone across from you. While this person is a stranger that you have just happened to meet, you notice how well of a listener they are. Their presence is a kind that you have never felt - secure, warm, and peaceful. A kind of peace that is just unexplainable. Come to find out, you are sitting across the Prince of Peace, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. An invitation is all that you extended, inviting him into your heart. 

In Luke 24:28, we are shown how Jesus gives us freedom of choices. He didn’t force the disciples to invite him in or force himself into their company - “When they came to Emmaus, he acted as if he was going on ahead”. Luke 24:29a, the disciples began to realize that there was something special about him. They didn’t want him to go and instead they extended an invitation to him. Unaware that this would bring revelation when Jesus breaks bread with them - “They urged him, saying, ‘Stay with us”. In Luke 24:29b, Jesus accepts their invitation and responds to it - “... ‘It’s nearly evening, and the day is almost over.’ So he went in to stay with them.” 

Just as the two disciples invited Jesus in, so can you! He’s waiting for you whenever you are ready. As 1 Corinthians 13:4 tells us, “Love is patient”... ‘Love’ meaning Jesus. He’s patient and ready to come sit at your table, all you have to do is extend the invitation.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for sending Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who waits patiently for my invitation. Forgive me for the times I’ve been too distracted or busy to notice his presence. Today, I open the door of my heart and say, “Lord, stay with me.” May Your peace fill my life, and may Your presence guide my steps each day. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Take a quiet moment today to intentionally invite Jesus into your schedule, conversations, and decisions. Whisper a simple prayer: “Jesus, stay with me today.” Watch how his presence changes ordinary moments into opportunities for peace and revelation.