The Hope of EasterSample

The Sweeper’s Prayer

I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. -John 14:6

When Raza saw a man sweeping his street, he felt sorry for him and gave him some money. The man thanked him and asked Raza if he could pray for him.

Surprised, Raza wondered how to answer, feeling conflicted but wanting to make the man happy. He consented and the sweeper prayed, giving thanks for the money and for Raza, saying “God, please show him the way, the truth and the life.”

Raza was puzzled by the prayer but forgot about it. Yet six years later, “God changed my life,” he said, when he came to know Jesus as his Savior. Suddenly he understood that God had answered the sweeper’s prayer, for in Jesus Raza had found the way, the truth, and the life.

Jesus told His friends on the night before He died that they would know “the way to where I am going” (John 14:4). Thomas questioned how they could know the way because they didn’t know where He was going.

Jesus responded: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (v. 6). He assured them that if they knew Him, they would also know the Father (v. 7).

Jesus breaks down the barriers and brings us into His Father’s presence. He’s the way to a fulfilled life; He’s the truth that sets us free; He gives us life, love, and hope.

Amy Boucher Pye

How might God inspire you to pray for others, perhaps even a stranger on the street? How have you seen Him answer someone’s prayers for you?

Dear Jesus, You’re the way, the truth, and the life. Thank You for taking me to the Father through Your work on the cross.