St. Nicolai Notes

WALKING WITH JESUS

LENTEN PRAYERS 2015

This is one of the trail markers for the famous pilgrimage known as El Camino de Santiago de Compostela (“The Way of St. James of Compostela”).  This particular marker was just outside of Cathedral Sé, in Lisbon, Portugal.

Week 2

     Many trails have markers.  When Lorraine and I walked short sections of El Camino, in September of 2014, we looked for shells (like the one on the cover) and yellow arrows.  We’ve walked trails in many places, and we’ve learned how to find the trail markers even when they are difficult to find.  Sometimes we miss one, make a wrong turn, and have to double back.  But, in general, we keep our eyes open and find our way forward to the trail’s end.

     On the journey of Christian faith, the primary marker is Jesus himself.  He is “The Way” (John 14:6) and the movement that grew up in response to him was also called “the way” (see Acts 9:2; 18:25, 26; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22). 

     The primary means by which we follow Jesus, keep our eyes forward, and find our way, are by studying the scriptures, opening our hearts to his instruction and his Spirit through prayer, and participating in congregational worship, fellowship and service. 

     We may err along the way, and we are somewhat inclined to deceive ourselves about the right path because of selfishness and pride, but we are likely to relocate the trail if we truly focus on Jesus to see how he was motivated, how he thought, and how he acted as the agent of God’s reign—then follow his lead.

Day 5: Monday

Mark 1:21-22

Christ Jesus, when we truly listen to your instruction, we are astonished by the way that it speaks to the deepest hurts and the deepest longings of our hearts.  Your word reveals God’s presence to us.  Your word penetrates to the core of our being—revealing the reality of our own hearts to us, calling us to forgiveness, and generating hope.  Your word challenges us to follow You into our best humanity—human life that is fully devoted to God and full of love for our neighbors.  

Enable us to hear your instruction for us each day.  Enable us to act in wisdom and obedience as we follow You.  Do not let us be misled by those who claim to speak with authority, but whose words are not in tune with your word for us.  Give us discernment that we may be the people You have called us to be—faithful servants of God’s reign of justice and peace.  Amen.