Prayer for February 25-March 3, 2018
Sermon Text: Mark 8:31-38
That
we may give ourselves fully as we follow Jesus
Loving and faithful God, we rejoice that You are constantly teaching us
new things. You enable us to recognize and acclaim Jesus as your Chosen One.
But then You frequently challenge our understanding of what that means.
We want a Savior and Champion who is powerful, even invulnerable. But
You give us One who tells us that his way is one of rejection, suffering and
death, then, ultimately, new life. We are so confused about the hard parts of
Christ’s way, that we often fail to hear, or believe, the part about new life
that emerges from suffering and death.
We do not want to be that vulnerable! We do not want to suffer or die!
We want to preserve ourselves as completely as we can.
But … we do want to follow Jesus. We have seen, in Jesus, truth, hope,
compassion, forgiveness, faith, courage, and love that compels us to draw near
and follow close.
We want to be willing to lose our lives, lose everything for the sake of
Jesus and the good news of your reign. Many days, we hold back at least a
little. But You are able to give us courage to give ourselves fully. We trust
in You for that help. Amen.
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