Week 2 — RE:ALIGN
John 21:9–14
Introduction
Reframed expectations often lead us to a harder realization: not only did things fall apart, but we didn’t remain faithful when they did.
The disciples were still dealing with broken dreams and shattered expectations. They had followed Jesus believing they knew how the story would end. Instead, everything they hoped for seemed to unravel.
They were adrift — uncertain, discouraged, unsure of what came next.
Jesus was on the shore — Their nets were full.
Yet their hearts were heavy. Jesus had always helped them begin to make sense of their reality. Now He moves them toward a deeper reality: they had let Him down.
It’s one thing to have your expectations broken.
It’s something else entirely to realize you have failed someone you love.
Scripture
“When they got out on land, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’”
— John 21:9, 12
Reflection
They failed Him.
They betrayed Him.
They abandoned Him.
These were the men who pledged their undying devotion to Jesus. The ones who promised they would never fall away. Now they stand before Him carrying the weight of disappointment — not just in how events unfolded, but in themselves.
And yet Jesus does not begin with accusation.
He called them friends — what would that have sounded like to ears shaped by failure?
He made a fire to warm them — how would that warmth have eased the chill of disappointment?
He prepared them breakfast — how would that smell have met their weariness and fatigue?
He served them — how would that have felt to hearts weighed down with frustration and regret?
Jesus meets them in their failure not with correction, but with care.
Before He addresses what they did, He reminds them who they are.
Daily Prayer Prompts & Responses
Monday — God’s Faithfulness When We Are Not
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:13
Intro:
Failure has a way of convincing us that God’s posture toward us has changed. Scripture reminds us otherwise.
Prayer Prompt:
Lord, I carry disappointment not just over what didn’t happen, but over how I failed You. Jesus, meet me where shame lingers and remind me I am still Yours.
Response:
Write down one failure you’ve been replaying. Read this verse aloud and cross it out as a reminder that God’s faithfulness is not dependent on yours.
Tuesday — Inviting God to Search the Heart
Scripture: Psalm 139:23–24
Intro:
Realignment begins when we stop hiding and allow God to see us fully.
Prayer Prompt:
What parts of my heart still believe I’ve forfeited closeness with You? Jesus, help me hear Your voice calling me friend again.
Response:
Spend five quiet minutes asking God to search your heart. Write down anything that surfaces without explaining or defending it.
Wednesday — When We Don’t Know What to Pray
Scripture: Romans 8:26
Intro:
Weariness often leaves us without words, but never without help.
Prayer Prompt:
Where do I need the warmth of Your presence more than answers? Jesus, sit with me in my disappointment and warm my heart with grace.
Response:
Sit silently for two minutes. Invite the Holy Spirit into your prayer, your reflection. If words fail, simply repeat the phrase, “Jesus, I’m here.”
Thursday — New Mercy for Worn-Out Hearts
Scripture: Lamentations 3:22–23
Intro:
God’s mercy meets us daily, even when regret feels heavy and relentless.
Prayer Prompt:
How has weariness and regret affected my soul? Jesus, nourish me with Your care and restore what exhaustion has taken.
Response:
Begin your day by saying, “Your mercies are new today.” Let that truth shape your pace and expectations. Write it down and post it where you will see it through the day.
Friday — Grace, Not Performance
Scripture: Ephesians 2:8–9
Intro:
Grace realigns us by reminding us that love is received, not earned.
Prayer Prompt:
Why do I struggle to receive Your love instead of earning it? Jesus, teach me to receive Your grace without resistance.
Response:
Notice today where you are tempted or try to prove your worth to God. How could God’s grace look like in that situation? Pause and consciously receive His grace instead.
Closing
You don’t realign your life by fixing your failures.
You realign it by returning to the One who never stopped loving you.