Monday, March 2, 2015

WALKING WITH JESUS
LENTEN PRAYERS 2015
  

Yellow arrows (flechas amaraillas) were common
on the few miles of the El Camino that Lorraine
and I walked in Lisbon, Portugal.
(Photo by Lorraine Antieau)

Week 3
  
     When we are walking with Jesus, we look primarily to Jesus in order to learn from him and follow well.  But many other people serve as markers who help us find the way and follow more closely when we lose sight of Jesus, or seem uncertain about what Jesus wants from us. 
     The apostle Paul had the audacity to say, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”  The author of Hebrews instructs, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.
     It is an act of wisdom to walk closely with others who have grown familiar with Jesus’ ways and follow him with gladness and joy.  Sometimes those people are in official leadership roles, but it is just as likely that they are not.  Their help is invaluable, which is why the walk we take with Jesus is in the company of many others.

Day 11: Monday
Mark 2:13-17 (see also Romans 5:6-11)

Christ Jesus, we rejoice that You walked, talked and dined with sinners and enemy collaborators like tax collectors, even though the most devout people of the day questioned your actions and your devotion to God when You did so.  We rejoice, for if you had not welcomed and called sinners and enemies to yourself, there would have been no hope for us. 

Correct us, now, when we are critical of those who minister among those who are known as sinners.  Correct us, now, when we hold back from ministering to sinners and assume that we need You less than they do.  Forgive us for our pride.  

Direct us to those who need You most.  Direct us to the sick and sinful, not as their superiors, but as those who may offer your healing care, your forgiveness, your release, and your rescue, because these have been freely given to us.  We are ready to follow where You lead us.  Amen.

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