WALKING WITH JESUS
LENTEN PRAYERS 2015
Cathedral
Sé, in Lisbon, Portugal, where one leg of the El Camino de Santiago de
Compostela begins. An arrow on the wall,
just behind the little vehicle at the far right (not visible in the photograph),
points walkers in the correct direction.
Photo by Lorraine Antieau.
INTRODUCTION
Every walk begins with a first step.
If you are walking the ancient pilgrimage know as “El Camino” (The Way),
and starting from Lisbon, Portugal, you start outside of Cathedral Sé (which
has at least two other names). It’s a
long walk, about 380 miles (610 kilometers).
Other routes are longer. Yet
millions of pilgrims have walked the Way since it became a significant
pilgrimage route by the early twelfth century.
Every one of those pilgrims started with a first step.
In order to walk with Jesus, we have to take a first step. Some of us know exactly when that
happened. Others were surprised to find
ourselves journeying with Jesus somewhere in the middle of our lives. Some have yet to take that first step.
Like the pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela, we discover that many steps
follow that first one, and many challenges arise along the way. Sustained concentration and effort are
required in order to keep going on this journey.
In a book related to the Psalms of Ascent (120-134 in our English
Bibles), author Eugene Peterson described the life of faith as “A Long
Obedience in the Same Direction.” I have
read the book several times, and find that title to be a helpful reminder that
our walk with Jesus is more than a stroll around the block. It is also a reminder that following Jesus is
doing what Jesus calls us to do.
Following Jesus is more than just an emotional attachment. It requires daily commitment and faithful
action. Our entire being is involved in
walking with Jesus.
These prayers are intended to help us
in that daily walk during Lent.
Several recent experiences contributed to my choice of theme: walking
small segments of El Camino, in Portugal, with Lorraine, in September 2014;
watching “The Way,” a 2010 movie about El Camino, starring Martin Sheen;
listening to Eric Clapton and B. B. King perform John Hiatt’s song “Riding with
the King”; and reading “How God Became King,” by N. T. Wright. I had almost given up on writing something
new for this Lenten season until I read Wright’s book. A few days after completing it, some ideas
began to gel.
The writing is not complete, so those who have been reading print
versions of my Lenten guides are receiving it in a different format this year.
As I usually do, I have written these prayers in the first person
plural, as a reminder that we are not on this journey alone, and that we always
pray as part of the church.
An alternative title for your consideration: Walking with the King.
Week 1
Day 1: Ash Wednesday
John 1:1-18
Christ Jesus, we rejoice in You.
Our hearts are glad in your presence.
We overflow with thanksgiving.
We turn to You as we remember that You created us in wisdom and
love. We turn to You because You have
come among us and have called us to yourself.
You have commanded us to follow You, to join You in a great
journey. We follow You as your disciples
and we follow with enthusiasm and gladness, even though we are often slow to
understand what You are teaching us and where You are leading us.
Our lives are at your disposal.
Teach us. Lead us. Send us.
Use us for your sovereign and wise purpose. Amen.
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