EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 30: Fifth Tuesday
Mark 13:1-37
Jesus, we don't know quite what to make of your words of prophecy. So much has been fulfilled, some of it many times over. Your people were left scattered among the nations after the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. They still mourn. And many still await the messiah.
We acclaim You as Messiah. But since You have not returned, we look for an overflow of meaning in your words. Some of us map out elaborate schemas to try to narrow the time frame in which your return may be expected. Some of us make no effort to predict the times, but attempt to live in ways that are consistent with your teaching and with the movement of your Spirit among us.
Enable us to live with eyes wide open to the new things that You are already doing among us that we have not yet perceived. Enable us to live our faith boldly and rely on the guidance of the Spirit to speak words of forgiveness and hope. Help us to practice personal righteousness and communal justice. May our entire life be lived in acknowledgement of your sovereignty and reign. And help us stand firm in faith, no matter what confusing or frightening circumstances may arise before us. Amen.
Thoughts, and prayers from Pastor David Antieau at St. Nicolai United Church of Christ
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Monday, March 30, 2020
EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 29: Fifth Monday
Mark 12:35-44
Jesus, we are so easily impressed and deceived by appearances, but You are not. You are able to tell when we faith leaders, and others of standing, are strutting around so that we will be acknowledged and respected by others. You see our hunger for approval. You see our greed. You know the ways that we have enriched ourselves at the cost of the most vulnerable persons among us. You know what judgment we deserve in order to realign our lives with the will that will be done on earth as in heaven.
Teacher, we like to think we are generous as we give from the overflow of our wealth. But You consider a different form of economics in which the self-giving gifts of those who are already at a disadvantage, those who have been maligned and kept in need by our predatory economics, weigh more heavily on the scale of values of God's reign.
Teacher, keep teaching us. Don't give up on us. Let your words penetrate to the core of our being and alter us for generosity that flows freely and enhances the lives of many. Help us to give without self-consciousness and without concern for our status and reputation, even as we work to bring about systemic justice. Amen.
Note: this is another prayer that may be most meaningful or irritating to people in church leadership.
Day 29: Fifth Monday
Mark 12:35-44
Jesus, we are so easily impressed and deceived by appearances, but You are not. You are able to tell when we faith leaders, and others of standing, are strutting around so that we will be acknowledged and respected by others. You see our hunger for approval. You see our greed. You know the ways that we have enriched ourselves at the cost of the most vulnerable persons among us. You know what judgment we deserve in order to realign our lives with the will that will be done on earth as in heaven.
Teacher, we like to think we are generous as we give from the overflow of our wealth. But You consider a different form of economics in which the self-giving gifts of those who are already at a disadvantage, those who have been maligned and kept in need by our predatory economics, weigh more heavily on the scale of values of God's reign.
Teacher, keep teaching us. Don't give up on us. Let your words penetrate to the core of our being and alter us for generosity that flows freely and enhances the lives of many. Help us to give without self-consciousness and without concern for our status and reputation, even as we work to bring about systemic justice. Amen.
Note: this is another prayer that may be most meaningful or irritating to people in church leadership.
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Prayer for March 29-April 4, 2020
Sermon Text(s): John 11:1-45; Ezekiel 37:1-14
That we may be liberated from deathly powers to overflow with compassion for our neighbors
You who are resurrection and life, we turn to You in this time of crisis. We turn to You in our worry, fear, confusion and vulnerability. We turn to You because many of us, here and throughout the world, are under threat, and death looms large, casting a long shadow in our lives.
You who are resurrection and life, we turn to You, because we know that You are able to do the unexpected. You are able to heal sickness that seems beyond healing. You are able to bring order out of chaos and life from death.
We ask for healing. We ask for survival. But we also ask that you transform our individual and communal lives so that we are no longer captivated by corporate and political powers that feed on death. Free us from all that terrifies and controls us. Liberate us for courageous faithfulness that overflows with compassion for our neighbors – especially for those who are most vulnerable.
We trust in You. Overcome our fear and deepen our faith. Amen.
LENT 2020
Fifth Sunday
For reflection:
Fifth Sunday
For reflection:
- When have you most freely given your whole self to God?
- In what ways do you hold back from loving God with total devotion? Loving your neighbor as yourself?
- In what ways do you still resist Christ's presence and leadership in your life?
- What judgments* of God may be necessary to set our personal, communal, and national lives right (in alignment with God's reign)?
* Judgment is God's work of setting things right. It does not necessarily involve condemnation. See Romans 8:1-2.
Saturday, March 28, 2020
EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 28: Fifth Saturday
Mark 12:28-34
God we love You! We praise You! We thank You for delivering us from oppression and sin. We rejoice that You have led us into new life. We thank You for providing adequately, and sometimes abundantly, for all of our needs.
Holy One, enable us to invest all that we are in You. Enable us to love You without hesitation and without stint. Divert us and draw us to yourself when we are tempted to divide our loyalty between You and some object or idea of human creation. Keep us from worshiping ourselves in the guise of the things we have made.
As we love You, and give ourselves to You, in joyful response to the generous self-giving love You have demonstrated in Jesus, enable us to see our neighbors more clearly. Make us more sensitive to their needs and enable us to respond with compassion, generosity, and creativity that matches those needs. Enable us to love them, too, without hesitation and without stint, so that we may live in joyful communion with one another in your presence.
You have overwhelmed us with your love. Let love flow through us every day. Amen.
Day 28: Fifth Saturday
Mark 12:28-34
God we love You! We praise You! We thank You for delivering us from oppression and sin. We rejoice that You have led us into new life. We thank You for providing adequately, and sometimes abundantly, for all of our needs.
Holy One, enable us to invest all that we are in You. Enable us to love You without hesitation and without stint. Divert us and draw us to yourself when we are tempted to divide our loyalty between You and some object or idea of human creation. Keep us from worshiping ourselves in the guise of the things we have made.
As we love You, and give ourselves to You, in joyful response to the generous self-giving love You have demonstrated in Jesus, enable us to see our neighbors more clearly. Make us more sensitive to their needs and enable us to respond with compassion, generosity, and creativity that matches those needs. Enable us to love them, too, without hesitation and without stint, so that we may live in joyful communion with one another in your presence.
You have overwhelmed us with your love. Let love flow through us every day. Amen.
Friday, March 27, 2020
EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 27: Fifth Friday
Mark 12:18-27
Jesus, life-giving teacher we worship You. We worship You in spite of our doubts or outright skepticism about resurrection and new life. We worship You with hope, even though we are inclined to imagine the life of the world to come as more of the same thing as that to which we have become most accustomed, and in which many of us have grown complacent.
Forgive us for our doubts and skepticism. Forgive us for our resistance to You. Open our hearts to learn from You and to ask questions that express our desire to learn. Help us as we follow You on the path of suffering and death to remember that it is also the way of life. Give us a glimpse of the fullness of God's glory, that inspires and energizes our walk with You and our service in the world You created and love.
We praise You for teaching us and revealing God's presence to us. We praise You for giving us life and for renewing all of creation. Make us fit for your enduring reign. Amen.
Day 27: Fifth Friday
Mark 12:18-27
Jesus, life-giving teacher we worship You. We worship You in spite of our doubts or outright skepticism about resurrection and new life. We worship You with hope, even though we are inclined to imagine the life of the world to come as more of the same thing as that to which we have become most accustomed, and in which many of us have grown complacent.
Forgive us for our doubts and skepticism. Forgive us for our resistance to You. Open our hearts to learn from You and to ask questions that express our desire to learn. Help us as we follow You on the path of suffering and death to remember that it is also the way of life. Give us a glimpse of the fullness of God's glory, that inspires and energizes our walk with You and our service in the world You created and love.
We praise You for teaching us and revealing God's presence to us. We praise You for giving us life and for renewing all of creation. Make us fit for your enduring reign. Amen.
Thursday, March 26, 2020
EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 26: Fifth Thursday
Mark 12:13-17
Wise Teacher, how often You answered those who questioned or challenged You with words that still required discernment for action. As we try to follow You in faithfulness, we still find that discernment is required for many of our choices. We count on the guidance of your Spirit to help us.
We find questions of loyalty to our various governments particularly tricky. What commitment and loyalty do they deserve from us? Some imagine that they deserve our deepest commitment, energy and creativity. They easily usurp your place in our lives as they demand everything from us and act as though the law of the land is God's law.
Help us to be good citizens and neighbors. But help us to discern the limits of our loyalty wisely. Do not let us make an idol of powers that call for absolute allegiance. Enable us to give all the best of our resources and our selves. to You. Amen.
Day 26: Fifth Thursday
Mark 12:13-17
Wise Teacher, how often You answered those who questioned or challenged You with words that still required discernment for action. As we try to follow You in faithfulness, we still find that discernment is required for many of our choices. We count on the guidance of your Spirit to help us.
We find questions of loyalty to our various governments particularly tricky. What commitment and loyalty do they deserve from us? Some imagine that they deserve our deepest commitment, energy and creativity. They easily usurp your place in our lives as they demand everything from us and act as though the law of the land is God's law.
Help us to be good citizens and neighbors. But help us to discern the limits of our loyalty wisely. Do not let us make an idol of powers that call for absolute allegiance. Enable us to give all the best of our resources and our selves. to You. Amen.
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 25: Fifth Wednesday
Mark 12:1-12
Even now, Christ Jesus, it seems likely that some of the greatest resistance and violence against You, and your way, comes from among the leaders of well-established churches. We have come to think that your church is ours. We have figured out ways to enrich ourselves that are often costly to the spiritual vitality of our congregations. We have learned to speak with such eloquence that our self-serving interests are largely hidden from view. And we are strongly and tenaciously resistant to anything that would reduce the social power that we exercise - even your presence and your word.
Forgive us for claiming what does not belong to us. Forgive us for our selfishness. Forgive us for our refusal to serve with humility. Forgive us for our desire to exercise control over others as though they were our servants. Forgive us for the violence in our hearts.
Overcome our resistance to You and do your work through us. Transform us so that we become servant leaders as You were. Enable us to act only for God's glory and to see God's reign more fully realized among us. Amen.
Day 25: Fifth Wednesday
Mark 12:1-12
Even now, Christ Jesus, it seems likely that some of the greatest resistance and violence against You, and your way, comes from among the leaders of well-established churches. We have come to think that your church is ours. We have figured out ways to enrich ourselves that are often costly to the spiritual vitality of our congregations. We have learned to speak with such eloquence that our self-serving interests are largely hidden from view. And we are strongly and tenaciously resistant to anything that would reduce the social power that we exercise - even your presence and your word.
Forgive us for claiming what does not belong to us. Forgive us for our selfishness. Forgive us for our refusal to serve with humility. Forgive us for our desire to exercise control over others as though they were our servants. Forgive us for the violence in our hearts.
Overcome our resistance to You and do your work through us. Transform us so that we become servant leaders as You were. Enable us to act only for God's glory and to see God's reign more fully realized among us. Amen.
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 24: Fourth Tuesday
Mark 11:27-33
Christ Jesus, while some responded with astonishment and trust to the authority that they perceived in your actions and instruction, others resisted. Some of us are like those who resisted: accustomed to conferred authority and influence, wealthy, powerful, conspicuous for our holy habits, even guardians of the faith.
We are fully settled in what we believe to be true, right and holy. And we have closed our minds to the possibility that You might still do something new among us, or that we might still live fully into a more robust and godly type of humanity than that for which we have settled. At times we are almost fatalistic about the lives we have chosen or become stuck in, thinking and saying, "That's just who I am."
Enable us to see the newness that You can create in our hearts and minds and in other dimensions of our lives. For those of us who have grown old, enable us to see that You can still alter our lives in surprising and meaningful ways. Touch us and speak to us in ways that open us to new possibilities. Enable us to recognize your authority, as we have before, and to walk your way, wherever it leads, with renewed hope and joy. Amen.
Day 24: Fourth Tuesday
Mark 11:27-33
Christ Jesus, while some responded with astonishment and trust to the authority that they perceived in your actions and instruction, others resisted. Some of us are like those who resisted: accustomed to conferred authority and influence, wealthy, powerful, conspicuous for our holy habits, even guardians of the faith.
We are fully settled in what we believe to be true, right and holy. And we have closed our minds to the possibility that You might still do something new among us, or that we might still live fully into a more robust and godly type of humanity than that for which we have settled. At times we are almost fatalistic about the lives we have chosen or become stuck in, thinking and saying, "That's just who I am."
Enable us to see the newness that You can create in our hearts and minds and in other dimensions of our lives. For those of us who have grown old, enable us to see that You can still alter our lives in surprising and meaningful ways. Touch us and speak to us in ways that open us to new possibilities. Enable us to recognize your authority, as we have before, and to walk your way, wherever it leads, with renewed hope and joy. Amen.
Monday, March 23, 2020
EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 23: Fourth Monday
Mark 11:12-25 (26) some Bibles will not have a verse 26, but you can follow a footnote
Jesus, when you enacted prophetic parables it surprised and confused your followers. How much more does it confuse those of us whose lives are organized around a different set of symbols.
We are uncomfortable with depictions of judgement, partly because they undermine our image of you as one who is always gentle and partly because we want to set aside all images of God as one who judges, and will judge. Yet your actions pointed forward to real judgment, to the termination of your nation and the center and symbol of its socioeconomic and religious life.*
If the demise of the nation God had chosen, and the place most closely associated with the presence of God were real possibilities, what does that mean for our nation and for our chosen symbols? In what ways might we fall under your judgment?** How might we align every dimension of our individual and communal lives in order to avoid such judgments?
Enable us to trust You more fully. Energize us for persistent prayer that your will may be more completely lived out among us. Give us courage to live out our faith in the face of resistance, as Jesus did. Amen.
* The fig tree is a symbol for Israel; the Temple the organizing center of Israel's life.
** Since I am writing in a time of pandemic, I want to point out that I do not perceive that as a
judgment that is specifically directed at our nation and its favored symbols.
Day 23: Fourth Monday
Mark 11:12-25 (26) some Bibles will not have a verse 26, but you can follow a footnote
Jesus, when you enacted prophetic parables it surprised and confused your followers. How much more does it confuse those of us whose lives are organized around a different set of symbols.
We are uncomfortable with depictions of judgement, partly because they undermine our image of you as one who is always gentle and partly because we want to set aside all images of God as one who judges, and will judge. Yet your actions pointed forward to real judgment, to the termination of your nation and the center and symbol of its socioeconomic and religious life.*
If the demise of the nation God had chosen, and the place most closely associated with the presence of God were real possibilities, what does that mean for our nation and for our chosen symbols? In what ways might we fall under your judgment?** How might we align every dimension of our individual and communal lives in order to avoid such judgments?
Enable us to trust You more fully. Energize us for persistent prayer that your will may be more completely lived out among us. Give us courage to live out our faith in the face of resistance, as Jesus did. Amen.
* The fig tree is a symbol for Israel; the Temple the organizing center of Israel's life.
** Since I am writing in a time of pandemic, I want to point out that I do not perceive that as a
judgment that is specifically directed at our nation and its favored symbols.
Sunday, March 22, 2020
LENT 2020
Fourth Sunday
Questions for reflection:
Fourth Sunday
Questions for reflection:
- How well do we listen to the cries of the sick, injured and disabled persons among us?
- What do we hope Jesus will accomplish among us? What steps do we take to live in ways that are consistent with our hope?
- What vain hopes do we need to set aside?
- Do we trust in our wealth more than we trust in Christ Jesus? When? Why?
Prayer for March 22-28, 2020
Sermon Text: John 9:1-41
That we may do the works of God in our time of crisis
God of all people, we rejoice in Jesus' ability to heal. We rejoice that Jesus encountered the sick, diseased, and disabled without assessing blame or exercising judgement on them. We rejoice that Jesus saw, in the blind, lame, and otherwise afflicted, an opportunity to do your works, to exercise compassion that gave new life to many.
Enable us to see and respond as Jesus did, with hearts and minds that are prepared to act courageously to provide compassionate and healing care for many who are in need of your touch.
Give us energy and stamina for as long as it takes to respond adequately to the current crisis that effects all people and has many living in deep fear and distress.
Even as we try to act with wisdom and caution, we trust in You to bring healing and renewal on a broad scale. Only You are able to provide all the resources, wisdom, and creativity to make this possible. Amen.
Sermon Text: John 9:1-41
That we may do the works of God in our time of crisis
God of all people, we rejoice in Jesus' ability to heal. We rejoice that Jesus encountered the sick, diseased, and disabled without assessing blame or exercising judgement on them. We rejoice that Jesus saw, in the blind, lame, and otherwise afflicted, an opportunity to do your works, to exercise compassion that gave new life to many.
Enable us to see and respond as Jesus did, with hearts and minds that are prepared to act courageously to provide compassionate and healing care for many who are in need of your touch.
Give us energy and stamina for as long as it takes to respond adequately to the current crisis that effects all people and has many living in deep fear and distress.
Even as we try to act with wisdom and caution, we trust in You to bring healing and renewal on a broad scale. Only You are able to provide all the resources, wisdom, and creativity to make this possible. Amen.
Saturday, March 21, 2020
EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 22: Fourth Saturday
Mark 11:1-11
Hosanna! Save us now! We bless You, Jesus, for coming as God's agent and messenger. We bless You for renewing our hopes for a life of freedom and purpose in God's realm, which is already among us, in significant measure, by your presence. Hosanna in the highest!
Jesus, we add our acclamation and praise to that of those who witnessed your slow ride into Jerusalem. Like them, we probably don't know all that was going on as you made that journey and received your acclamation. Like them, we are probably inclined to perceive this as a grand patriotic moment that is about making our country great again.
It is easy for us to miss the fact that this moment is deeply political and deeply spiritual. It is easy to overlook your resolute movement to challenge all powers that imagine that they are ultimate and immovable. It is easy for us to shout, "Hosanna!" and still resist God's reign of peace and justice that You brought among us in your own person. While welcoming forgiveness for ourselves, it is easy to overlook your intention to defeat sin completely and generate a community that practices forgiveness and reconciliation with such courage and tenacity that it alters the political and spiritual landscape of the entire world. Jesus, it is easy for us to overlook the fact that this arrival increased opposition to You and kept You moving toward a death by which You would defeat death.
Jesus, we know that we do not understand You fully, even when we are tempted to think we do. But we will keep praising You. We will keep trusting You. We will keep hoping for the day when your sovereignty will be evident to all, when God's reign comes fully, on earth as in heaven. Amen.
Day 22: Fourth Saturday
Mark 11:1-11
Hosanna! Save us now! We bless You, Jesus, for coming as God's agent and messenger. We bless You for renewing our hopes for a life of freedom and purpose in God's realm, which is already among us, in significant measure, by your presence. Hosanna in the highest!
Jesus, we add our acclamation and praise to that of those who witnessed your slow ride into Jerusalem. Like them, we probably don't know all that was going on as you made that journey and received your acclamation. Like them, we are probably inclined to perceive this as a grand patriotic moment that is about making our country great again.
It is easy for us to miss the fact that this moment is deeply political and deeply spiritual. It is easy to overlook your resolute movement to challenge all powers that imagine that they are ultimate and immovable. It is easy for us to shout, "Hosanna!" and still resist God's reign of peace and justice that You brought among us in your own person. While welcoming forgiveness for ourselves, it is easy to overlook your intention to defeat sin completely and generate a community that practices forgiveness and reconciliation with such courage and tenacity that it alters the political and spiritual landscape of the entire world. Jesus, it is easy for us to overlook the fact that this arrival increased opposition to You and kept You moving toward a death by which You would defeat death.
Jesus, we know that we do not understand You fully, even when we are tempted to think we do. But we will keep praising You. We will keep trusting You. We will keep hoping for the day when your sovereignty will be evident to all, when God's reign comes fully, on earth as in heaven. Amen.
Friday, March 20, 2020
EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 21: Fourth Friday
Mark 10:46-52
Jesus, Healer, how sensitive you were to the swirling movements around You. How attuned to the cries of those who were wounded and in need. You welcomed those whom others tried to keep from gaining your attention. You called the sick, injured, and disabled into your presence. You acted with compassion and worked healing without fanfare.
You gave sight to blind persons. But You also healed the kind of spiritual blindness that kept your disciples setting boundaries around You, or looking for an advantage over one another as You were walking the road to suffering and death.
Some of us have many blind spots. We do not see You clearly for who you are. We do not see ourselves clearly. We do not comprehend the vulnerability, and even suffering, that You call us to in order that we may extend your healing works. We do not share your vision for creating a world of peace by acting with generous love for our neighbors, and even our enemies. Sometimes our gaze is so thoroughly focused on ourselves that we don't even see our neighbors at all.
Heal our vision. Enable us to see the world with the compassion that You see it. Then enable us to be agents of your healing, even though we, ourselves, await complete healing at a time that only God knows. Amen.
Day 21: Fourth Friday
Mark 10:46-52
Jesus, Healer, how sensitive you were to the swirling movements around You. How attuned to the cries of those who were wounded and in need. You welcomed those whom others tried to keep from gaining your attention. You called the sick, injured, and disabled into your presence. You acted with compassion and worked healing without fanfare.
You gave sight to blind persons. But You also healed the kind of spiritual blindness that kept your disciples setting boundaries around You, or looking for an advantage over one another as You were walking the road to suffering and death.
Some of us have many blind spots. We do not see You clearly for who you are. We do not see ourselves clearly. We do not comprehend the vulnerability, and even suffering, that You call us to in order that we may extend your healing works. We do not share your vision for creating a world of peace by acting with generous love for our neighbors, and even our enemies. Sometimes our gaze is so thoroughly focused on ourselves that we don't even see our neighbors at all.
Heal our vision. Enable us to see the world with the compassion that You see it. Then enable us to be agents of your healing, even though we, ourselves, await complete healing at a time that only God knows. Amen.
Thursday, March 19, 2020
EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 20: Fourth Thursday
Mark 10:32-45
O Jesus, Forbearing One, even as You led the way to Jerusalem, where You knew You would be condemned, mocked, tortured, and killed, some of your disciples were jockeying for roles that they hoped would give them power and let them bask in your glory.
We aren't much different from them. Some of us want to be near You because we see your power more clearly than we see your vulnerability, and hope to share that power. Some of us perceive your holiness and hope to be close to You so we can seem holier than others around us. Some of us believe that if we are close to You, no hard times or evil will befall us.
Jesus, You instruct that You have no control over positions of power in God's reign. You instruct that those who follow You most closely will share the cup of suffering, the baptism of death, that You faced. You instruct that your followers are to give of themselves in service to others, just as You poured out your life in service of them, and many others.
Forgive us for our failure to perceive, fully, the nature of the life to which You call us. Forgive us for our vain hopes for status and glory. Forgive us for our frequent reluctance to serve. And forgive us for our reticence to follow your way to its end.
Transform us into servants who gladly follow You wherever You lead, for the glory of God and the extension of God's reign into every part of creation. Amen.
Day 20: Fourth Thursday
Mark 10:32-45
O Jesus, Forbearing One, even as You led the way to Jerusalem, where You knew You would be condemned, mocked, tortured, and killed, some of your disciples were jockeying for roles that they hoped would give them power and let them bask in your glory.
We aren't much different from them. Some of us want to be near You because we see your power more clearly than we see your vulnerability, and hope to share that power. Some of us perceive your holiness and hope to be close to You so we can seem holier than others around us. Some of us believe that if we are close to You, no hard times or evil will befall us.
Jesus, You instruct that You have no control over positions of power in God's reign. You instruct that those who follow You most closely will share the cup of suffering, the baptism of death, that You faced. You instruct that your followers are to give of themselves in service to others, just as You poured out your life in service of them, and many others.
Forgive us for our failure to perceive, fully, the nature of the life to which You call us. Forgive us for our vain hopes for status and glory. Forgive us for our frequent reluctance to serve. And forgive us for our reticence to follow your way to its end.
Transform us into servants who gladly follow You wherever You lead, for the glory of God and the extension of God's reign into every part of creation. Amen.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 19: Fourth Wednesday
Mark 10: 17-31 (especially verses 28-31)
Jesus, most of us have not left everything to follow You, but as we do follow, You lead us toward a life of sharing that challenges our tendency to accumulate and hoard wealth for ourselves and our families. You invite us to a life of generous hospitality in which we enrich others and are enriched as we participate in a broad network of faithful care.
Many of us have not been trained to think or act with the financial well-being of a whole community in mind. We find it difficult to think beyond the needs of our isolated family units, except in spasmodic ways, when some crisis or catastrophe strikes us with unusual emotional force. We need your help, need the guidance of your Spirit, in order to overcome our habits of accumulation that expand our isolation from our communities. We need your help to overcome the fears we have about having too little and to practice deeper trust in your faithful provision from the abundance of your creation. We need your help in order to think and act in creative ways that enrich our brothers and sisters in faith, but also the communities where we live.
You instruct that as we live within this network of faithful care and sharing, following You in service of God's reign, that we will face persecutions. We don't want that. But we do want to be close to You and live as You lived. Give us courage to live in new ways that challenge old patterns, even with the risks that involves. Amen.
Day 19: Fourth Wednesday
Mark 10: 17-31 (especially verses 28-31)
Jesus, most of us have not left everything to follow You, but as we do follow, You lead us toward a life of sharing that challenges our tendency to accumulate and hoard wealth for ourselves and our families. You invite us to a life of generous hospitality in which we enrich others and are enriched as we participate in a broad network of faithful care.
Many of us have not been trained to think or act with the financial well-being of a whole community in mind. We find it difficult to think beyond the needs of our isolated family units, except in spasmodic ways, when some crisis or catastrophe strikes us with unusual emotional force. We need your help, need the guidance of your Spirit, in order to overcome our habits of accumulation that expand our isolation from our communities. We need your help to overcome the fears we have about having too little and to practice deeper trust in your faithful provision from the abundance of your creation. We need your help in order to think and act in creative ways that enrich our brothers and sisters in faith, but also the communities where we live.
You instruct that as we live within this network of faithful care and sharing, following You in service of God's reign, that we will face persecutions. We don't want that. But we do want to be close to You and live as You lived. Give us courage to live in new ways that challenge old patterns, even with the risks that involves. Amen.
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 18: Third Tuesday
Mark 10:17-31 (especially verses 23-27)
Jesus, many of us have been trained to believe that a few easy steps guarantees us a place in heaven, but you instruct that participation in your reign is hard, especially for the rich. Since many of us are rich, we are scared by and resist such instruction.
We easily forget that You gave this instruction as You were taking a roundabout journey to the cross. We easily forget that You and your disciples were living with minimal creature comforts as You moved from place to place, ministering to those in need, and declaring the arrival of God's reign. And we forget that You called on them to trust only You.
Even they, who gave up so much to follow You, were shocked by your instruction. Like them, we tend to equate wealth and blessing, and fail to see that many times wealth becomes a great diversion from full-hearted trust in You.
Forgive us for frequently trusting in our wealth instead of in You. Enable us to relinquish all that obstructs our trust. Enable us to walk the way of service and sacrifice to which You call all of your disciples. Amen.
Day 18: Third Tuesday
Mark 10:17-31 (especially verses 23-27)
Jesus, many of us have been trained to believe that a few easy steps guarantees us a place in heaven, but you instruct that participation in your reign is hard, especially for the rich. Since many of us are rich, we are scared by and resist such instruction.
We easily forget that You gave this instruction as You were taking a roundabout journey to the cross. We easily forget that You and your disciples were living with minimal creature comforts as You moved from place to place, ministering to those in need, and declaring the arrival of God's reign. And we forget that You called on them to trust only You.
Even they, who gave up so much to follow You, were shocked by your instruction. Like them, we tend to equate wealth and blessing, and fail to see that many times wealth becomes a great diversion from full-hearted trust in You.
Forgive us for frequently trusting in our wealth instead of in You. Enable us to relinquish all that obstructs our trust. Enable us to walk the way of service and sacrifice to which You call all of your disciples. Amen.
Monday, March 16, 2020
EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 17: Third Monday
Mark 10:17-31 (especially 17-22)
Many of us are rich, Jesus. Many of us are among the top one percent in income* and the top ten percent in wealth,** in the world, but we deny our wealth, deny that we are rich, by comparing ourselves with our closest neighbors or with those who have such abundant wealth that we seem like paupers by comparison.
Because we have been blinded by our social setting, and other factors, to our wealth, we do not recognize the ways in which we are deceived*** and controlled by what we possess. We do not perceive the ways that our wealth creates drag and even outright resistance to your call upon our lives. We do not perceive how our wealth often contributes to injustice and causes others to suffer.
And we aren't much inclined to give up too much of it in order to follow You, Jesus.
Enable us to see ourselves in the larger context of the world that You created and love. Enable us to break free of some of the thorns of wealth that choke our vitality and diminish our ability to follow You in freedom. Enable us to do whatever You call us to do in order to follow You with unencumbered hearts and minds. Amen.
* $32,500, https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/050615/are-you-top-one-percent-world.asp
** $93,170 U.S. https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/07/how-much-money-you-need-to-be-in-the-richest-10-percent-worldwide.html
*** Matthew 13:22, Mark 4:19
Day 17: Third Monday
Mark 10:17-31 (especially 17-22)
Many of us are rich, Jesus. Many of us are among the top one percent in income* and the top ten percent in wealth,** in the world, but we deny our wealth, deny that we are rich, by comparing ourselves with our closest neighbors or with those who have such abundant wealth that we seem like paupers by comparison.
Because we have been blinded by our social setting, and other factors, to our wealth, we do not recognize the ways in which we are deceived*** and controlled by what we possess. We do not perceive the ways that our wealth creates drag and even outright resistance to your call upon our lives. We do not perceive how our wealth often contributes to injustice and causes others to suffer.
And we aren't much inclined to give up too much of it in order to follow You, Jesus.
Enable us to see ourselves in the larger context of the world that You created and love. Enable us to break free of some of the thorns of wealth that choke our vitality and diminish our ability to follow You in freedom. Enable us to do whatever You call us to do in order to follow You with unencumbered hearts and minds. Amen.
* $32,500, https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/050615/are-you-top-one-percent-world.asp
** $93,170 U.S. https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/07/how-much-money-you-need-to-be-in-the-richest-10-percent-worldwide.html
*** Matthew 13:22, Mark 4:19
Sunday, March 15, 2020
Prayer for March 15-21, 2020
Sermon Text: John 4:1-42
That we may be transformed more completely for worship in the Spirit and in truth
Jesus, Messiah, we rejoice that even as opposition to You began to grow, so that You traveled in a direction You may not have chosen, and encountered people You may not have met, life-giving ministry flowed from You as naturally as the water You requested to quench your thirst.
Jesus, we rejoice that many of your diversions became opportunities for ministry. We rejoice in your open heart. We rejoice in your willingness to break social barriers. We thank You that You speak truth that challenges us, and causes us pain, but draws us to You so we may draw from the life-giving resources that You carry in your own being.
Jesus, transform our lives more completely, so that we may, indeed, worship You in the Spirit and in truth. May our ongoing encounters with You energize us to tell others about You, so that they may seek You for themselves, and find that You are the true Source of life. Amen.
Sermon Text: John 4:1-42
That we may be transformed more completely for worship in the Spirit and in truth
Jesus, Messiah, we rejoice that even as opposition to You began to grow, so that You traveled in a direction You may not have chosen, and encountered people You may not have met, life-giving ministry flowed from You as naturally as the water You requested to quench your thirst.
Jesus, we rejoice that many of your diversions became opportunities for ministry. We rejoice in your open heart. We rejoice in your willingness to break social barriers. We thank You that You speak truth that challenges us, and causes us pain, but draws us to You so we may draw from the life-giving resources that You carry in your own being.
Jesus, transform our lives more completely, so that we may, indeed, worship You in the Spirit and in truth. May our ongoing encounters with You energize us to tell others about You, so that they may seek You for themselves, and find that You are the true Source of life. Amen.
Saturday, March 14, 2020
EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 16: Third Saturday
Mark 10:13-16
Jesus, Welcoming One, we are forever trying to limit who has access to You because, most of the time we want You for ourselves. We want the benefits we anticipate that those close to You will receive. Most of the time we think others are unworthy of You, forgetting that not many of us were wise, influential, or of noble background* when we were called to follow You.
It's not surprising that You are angered by our efforts to keep "the little children" and others of low status, and high need, from coming to You. You didn't call us as henchmen and women, but to be workers who extend the net of your love broadly in the world.+ How easily we forget. How easily we develop patterns of control.
Set aside your anger and forgive us. Soften our hearts and open our arms for welcoming others in love. Undo our delusions that we are in control and hold the keys to divine acceptance. Let us show that God's reign can be extended by gentleness practiced with joy. Amen.
* 1 Corinthians 1:26
+ Mark 1:17
Day 16: Third Saturday
Mark 10:13-16
Jesus, Welcoming One, we are forever trying to limit who has access to You because, most of the time we want You for ourselves. We want the benefits we anticipate that those close to You will receive. Most of the time we think others are unworthy of You, forgetting that not many of us were wise, influential, or of noble background* when we were called to follow You.
It's not surprising that You are angered by our efforts to keep "the little children" and others of low status, and high need, from coming to You. You didn't call us as henchmen and women, but to be workers who extend the net of your love broadly in the world.+ How easily we forget. How easily we develop patterns of control.
Set aside your anger and forgive us. Soften our hearts and open our arms for welcoming others in love. Undo our delusions that we are in control and hold the keys to divine acceptance. Let us show that God's reign can be extended by gentleness practiced with joy. Amen.
* 1 Corinthians 1:26
+ Mark 1:17
Thursday, March 12, 2020
EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 15: Third Friday
Mark 10:1-12
Jesus, Companion and Teacher, sometimes your words seem to be full of grace and, at other times, full of challenge. We welcome your words when they are full of promise, when they calm us and generate bright hopes. But we chafe when You speak words that address our tendency to ease the challenges of fidelity, both to you, and to those with whom we are deeply connected.
Some of us are looking for ways to escape our relationships. We tend to treat them as disposable, and we would like You to authorize their termination. But You invite us to perceive that our treatment of relationships as disposable commodities is sin that causes injury to those whom we want to set aside. We know that some relationships fail, no matter what effort is put into them, but keep us from looking for easy ways out.
Forgive us for our failures of love and fidelity. Transform us more completely into your likeness.
May we practice tenacious love for you, our spouses, and all whom You have brought into our lives. Amen.
Day 15: Third Friday
Mark 10:1-12
Jesus, Companion and Teacher, sometimes your words seem to be full of grace and, at other times, full of challenge. We welcome your words when they are full of promise, when they calm us and generate bright hopes. But we chafe when You speak words that address our tendency to ease the challenges of fidelity, both to you, and to those with whom we are deeply connected.
Some of us are looking for ways to escape our relationships. We tend to treat them as disposable, and we would like You to authorize their termination. But You invite us to perceive that our treatment of relationships as disposable commodities is sin that causes injury to those whom we want to set aside. We know that some relationships fail, no matter what effort is put into them, but keep us from looking for easy ways out.
Forgive us for our failures of love and fidelity. Transform us more completely into your likeness.
May we practice tenacious love for you, our spouses, and all whom You have brought into our lives. Amen.
EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 14: Third Thursday
Mark 9:42-50
Wise Teacher, we are sometimes casual about our treatment of sin, but You instruct us otherwise. You warn us against misleading those who are babes in faith. You call us to take radical measures in order to root sin from our lives. You warn us against losing the saltiness by which we are able to penetrate, preserve and add the savor of generous, joyful fidelity to the world in which we dwell.
Help us not to live in cowering fear of judgment, but recognize that by your judgment You will put everything right, including us. Enable us to see ourselves clearly. Keep us from becoming lackadaisical about sin. Align the core of our being with God's will.
May your Spirit guide us to new depths of fidelity as we open ourselves to guidance. We trust in you. Often that trust is weak, but we count on your mercy and grace to strengthen us for bold faith on our continuing journey with You. Amen.
Day 14: Third Thursday
Mark 9:42-50
Wise Teacher, we are sometimes casual about our treatment of sin, but You instruct us otherwise. You warn us against misleading those who are babes in faith. You call us to take radical measures in order to root sin from our lives. You warn us against losing the saltiness by which we are able to penetrate, preserve and add the savor of generous, joyful fidelity to the world in which we dwell.
Help us not to live in cowering fear of judgment, but recognize that by your judgment You will put everything right, including us. Enable us to see ourselves clearly. Keep us from becoming lackadaisical about sin. Align the core of our being with God's will.
May your Spirit guide us to new depths of fidelity as we open ourselves to guidance. We trust in you. Often that trust is weak, but we count on your mercy and grace to strengthen us for bold faith on our continuing journey with You. Amen.
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 13: Third Wednesday
Mark 9:38-41
Teacher, we want to draw the lines of inclusion, the lines of loyalty, closely around the group of followers with whom we are most closely associated. We are often tempted to exclude those who are not our traveling companions--those who differ from us in a wide range of features, mostly insignificant--from the scope of your concern, and from identifying with You. For some inexplicable reason we think we have You to ourselves and feel threatened and competitive toward others who are doing your work in different ways and different places.
Forgive us for thinking narrowly. Forgive us for pushing aside others who are doing your work, but not as part of our circle. Forgive us for obstructing the broader work of God's reign by such narrow-mindedness.
Continue your transforming work in us by enabling us to celebrate faithful service to your values and your reign wherever it occurs. Open our hearts to welcome all who serve You as brothers and sisters, given to us by your grace. Amen.
Day 13: Third Wednesday
Mark 9:38-41
Teacher, we want to draw the lines of inclusion, the lines of loyalty, closely around the group of followers with whom we are most closely associated. We are often tempted to exclude those who are not our traveling companions--those who differ from us in a wide range of features, mostly insignificant--from the scope of your concern, and from identifying with You. For some inexplicable reason we think we have You to ourselves and feel threatened and competitive toward others who are doing your work in different ways and different places.
Forgive us for thinking narrowly. Forgive us for pushing aside others who are doing your work, but not as part of our circle. Forgive us for obstructing the broader work of God's reign by such narrow-mindedness.
Continue your transforming work in us by enabling us to celebrate faithful service to your values and your reign wherever it occurs. Open our hearts to welcome all who serve You as brothers and sisters, given to us by your grace. Amen.
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 12: Second Tuesday
Mark 9:30-37 (especially verses 33-37)
Jesus, Teacher, we are often fiercely competitive with one another, even when there is no reason to be, even when close collaboration is the most effective way to respond to the world in which we walk. We compete for power and wealth. We compete for prestige. We like to think of ourselves as the best at something, or at least, better than the people around us. We even like to think that we are more godly than others, and that we deserve more from You than our sisters and brothers in faith. Forgive us!
Even when we try to hide this competitive inclination that often keeps us from being fully united to each other, and with You, You know. You are not fooled. And You instruct us in a better way. You teach us that the way to honor is through service. You invite us to become "servant of all," to live as You lived during your life among us.
We are not always willing to serve. Forgive us for our reticence. Prepare us to serve more freely and generously, and with no self-consciousness about our reputation. Enable us to welcome, especially, the weakest and most vulnerable among us, with genuine love, just as You did. Amen.
Day 12: Second Tuesday
Mark 9:30-37 (especially verses 33-37)
Jesus, Teacher, we are often fiercely competitive with one another, even when there is no reason to be, even when close collaboration is the most effective way to respond to the world in which we walk. We compete for power and wealth. We compete for prestige. We like to think of ourselves as the best at something, or at least, better than the people around us. We even like to think that we are more godly than others, and that we deserve more from You than our sisters and brothers in faith. Forgive us!
Even when we try to hide this competitive inclination that often keeps us from being fully united to each other, and with You, You know. You are not fooled. And You instruct us in a better way. You teach us that the way to honor is through service. You invite us to become "servant of all," to live as You lived during your life among us.
We are not always willing to serve. Forgive us for our reticence. Prepare us to serve more freely and generously, and with no self-consciousness about our reputation. Enable us to welcome, especially, the weakest and most vulnerable among us, with genuine love, just as You did. Amen.
Monday, March 9, 2020
Prayer for March 8-14, 2020
Sermon Text: John 3:1-17
That our believe in You will become utter devotion to You
Christ Jesus, we recognize your wisdom and wonderful works, but it is often difficult to acknowledge our need for transformation into people whose lives are fully oriented to God’s reign, which has come among us in your very presence.
We are reluctant to place our lives under the authority of anyone, including You. We are resistant to anything that we perceive as beyond our control, and that means the wild, free movement of your Spirit scares us a lot.
We believe You are God’s beloved child. And we want to live in utter devotion to You. But we need constant assistance in order to move in that direction and accept, in trust, all of the newness that You want to create in, through, and around us. Help us now! Amen.
Sermon Text: John 3:1-17
That our believe in You will become utter devotion to You
Christ Jesus, we recognize your wisdom and wonderful works, but it is often difficult to acknowledge our need for transformation into people whose lives are fully oriented to God’s reign, which has come among us in your very presence.
We are reluctant to place our lives under the authority of anyone, including You. We are resistant to anything that we perceive as beyond our control, and that means the wild, free movement of your Spirit scares us a lot.
We believe You are God’s beloved child. And we want to live in utter devotion to You. But we need constant assistance in order to move in that direction and accept, in trust, all of the newness that You want to create in, through, and around us. Help us now! Amen.
EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 11: Second Monday
Mark 9:30-37
Jesus, Rabbi, we can imagine the difficulty of finding a place away from the crowds who longed for your attention and touch, since we long for those too. As we listen in on your instruction to them, we are less confused, less dismayed than they were because we listen from the other end of the story.
Still, we ask, "Did you really have to die?" If so, "Why?" And our questioning is not calmed by theological arguments such as: "Without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin," We wish there had been another way to overcome sin, defeat powers, and bring God's reign on earth as in heaven. We imagine that God could have done so without your abuse, suffering and death, which, even now, brings us shame.
And though we celebrate resurrection as the heart of our faith, we still ask, "How?" and struggle to define it in terms of our "scientific" view of the world, which leaves little room for that which cannot be proven in experimental ways.
Help us to order our lives by your instruction, even when we find it challenging and raise questions about it. Help us to trust You enough to keep on walking with You and obeying your word even when the way becomes difficult and even deadly. Amen.
Day 11: Second Monday
Mark 9:30-37
Jesus, Rabbi, we can imagine the difficulty of finding a place away from the crowds who longed for your attention and touch, since we long for those too. As we listen in on your instruction to them, we are less confused, less dismayed than they were because we listen from the other end of the story.
Still, we ask, "Did you really have to die?" If so, "Why?" And our questioning is not calmed by theological arguments such as: "Without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin," We wish there had been another way to overcome sin, defeat powers, and bring God's reign on earth as in heaven. We imagine that God could have done so without your abuse, suffering and death, which, even now, brings us shame.
And though we celebrate resurrection as the heart of our faith, we still ask, "How?" and struggle to define it in terms of our "scientific" view of the world, which leaves little room for that which cannot be proven in experimental ways.
Help us to order our lives by your instruction, even when we find it challenging and raise questions about it. Help us to trust You enough to keep on walking with You and obeying your word even when the way becomes difficult and even deadly. Amen.
Sunday, March 8, 2020
Saturday, March 7, 2020
EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 10: Second Saturday
Mark 9:24-29
Jesus, when we don't forget the presence of your Spirit with us, we are still inclined to forget your ability to bring healing and new life. We are likely to observe the wounds in our lives, our neighbors' lives, and in the lives of the communities and countries in which we dwell, and assume that they will always be there, that nothing can be done to bring about real change.
As your followers, our trust in You is often embarrassingly weak. So . . . many of the crises we face, or create for ourselves, loom like large immovable objects before us. And when we face deep needs in the lives of others who come to us in their woundedness, we are slow to pray, and reluctant to fast from anything, in order that your word or touch might work through us for their healing.
Christ Jesus, we believe in your ability to bring healing and renewal, in our lives, and in the larger world in which we participate. But overcome our unbelief! Transform us, not into perfect people, but into people who recognize their own needs and the needs of others with clarity, call upon You with boldness and deep trust, and celebrate your presence and healing with abundant joy. Amen.
Day 10: Second Saturday
Mark 9:24-29
Jesus, when we don't forget the presence of your Spirit with us, we are still inclined to forget your ability to bring healing and new life. We are likely to observe the wounds in our lives, our neighbors' lives, and in the lives of the communities and countries in which we dwell, and assume that they will always be there, that nothing can be done to bring about real change.
As your followers, our trust in You is often embarrassingly weak. So . . . many of the crises we face, or create for ourselves, loom like large immovable objects before us. And when we face deep needs in the lives of others who come to us in their woundedness, we are slow to pray, and reluctant to fast from anything, in order that your word or touch might work through us for their healing.
Christ Jesus, we believe in your ability to bring healing and renewal, in our lives, and in the larger world in which we participate. But overcome our unbelief! Transform us, not into perfect people, but into people who recognize their own needs and the needs of others with clarity, call upon You with boldness and deep trust, and celebrate your presence and healing with abundant joy. Amen.
Friday, March 6, 2020
EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 9: Second Friday
Mark 9:14-29
God of new life, we rejoice that in Jesus, your healing reign has entered the world with power.
We rejoice that Jesus is able to touch and heal both our physical and psychical wounds. We thank You that Jesus has freed some of us from oppressive spirits that diminished and debilitated us. We praise You for the freedom we have found to live in communion with You and with our many neighbors.
As we follow Jesus, enable us to be agents of your healing and liberating reign. Help us to see those whom we encounter in their pain as your creatures, whom You love more deeply than we can comprehend. Give us discernment of the needs that may lie unspoken beneath the most obvious ones. Then, give us courage and patience to pray and fast on behalf of those who are wounded and those who bear many scars.
Do not let us fall into the trap of thinking magically and expecting that the right words will automatically bring the results we desire. Neither let us fall into the trap of thinking fatalistically and acting as though You have no true ability to do marvelous healing in our midst.
As we walk with Jesus, enable us to bring healing, by works of compassion, for your glory. Amen.
Day 9: Second Friday
Mark 9:14-29
God of new life, we rejoice that in Jesus, your healing reign has entered the world with power.
We rejoice that Jesus is able to touch and heal both our physical and psychical wounds. We thank You that Jesus has freed some of us from oppressive spirits that diminished and debilitated us. We praise You for the freedom we have found to live in communion with You and with our many neighbors.
As we follow Jesus, enable us to be agents of your healing and liberating reign. Help us to see those whom we encounter in their pain as your creatures, whom You love more deeply than we can comprehend. Give us discernment of the needs that may lie unspoken beneath the most obvious ones. Then, give us courage and patience to pray and fast on behalf of those who are wounded and those who bear many scars.
Do not let us fall into the trap of thinking magically and expecting that the right words will automatically bring the results we desire. Neither let us fall into the trap of thinking fatalistically and acting as though You have no true ability to do marvelous healing in our midst.
As we walk with Jesus, enable us to bring healing, by works of compassion, for your glory. Amen.
Thursday, March 5, 2020
EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 8: Second Thursday
Mark 9:1-13
Divine and beloved Son, we delight in your presence and long to stay close to You. Enable us to receive your words with open hearts and minds. Enable us to discern their truth for the context in which we live. Give us energy and courage to live as You instruct us, in complete fidelity to You and to the One who sent You.
Forgive us for the days when we are not inclined to welcome your presence or listen to your word. Forgive us for our stubbornness and for our self-centered choices that deny the priority of your reign among us. Forgive us for the times when we have rebelled openly.
Enable us to be people of humility and truthfulness as we await the full revelation of your reign. Let your word become part of the very fabric of our lives. Amen.
Day 8: Second Thursday
Mark 9:1-13
Divine and beloved Son, we delight in your presence and long to stay close to You. Enable us to receive your words with open hearts and minds. Enable us to discern their truth for the context in which we live. Give us energy and courage to live as You instruct us, in complete fidelity to You and to the One who sent You.
Forgive us for the days when we are not inclined to welcome your presence or listen to your word. Forgive us for our stubbornness and for our self-centered choices that deny the priority of your reign among us. Forgive us for the times when we have rebelled openly.
Enable us to be people of humility and truthfulness as we await the full revelation of your reign. Let your word become part of the very fabric of our lives. Amen.
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 7: Second Wednesday
Mark 9:1-13 (especially verses 4-6)
God of all people, we rejoice that in Jesus You have fulfilled all of your instructions, warnings and promises to Israel. You have brought forth an Israelite who obeys your word and lives out your promises in utter devotion to You. You have shown your people a new way of being human: fully devoted, full of compassion and justice, truthful to the core of his being, and endowed with your Spirit.
We rejoice that your fidelity to Israel has overflowed with hope and new life for peoples far beyond the scope of Israel's boundaries. We rejoice that we have heard the good news about Christ Jesus, and in that hearing, and in the lives of holy ones whom You have nurtured in your love, have glimpsed the radiance of Christ's glory, which is your own glory.
God, though we long for a fuller vision of your glory, even what we have seen has been enough to drive us to our knees in terror and trembling. You have evoked an awareness of our sinfulness* and cries for forgiveness.
Thank You for hearing our cry. May we be representatives of your reign and your glory today. Amen.
Isaiah 6:5
Day 7: Second Wednesday
Mark 9:1-13 (especially verses 4-6)
God of all people, we rejoice that in Jesus You have fulfilled all of your instructions, warnings and promises to Israel. You have brought forth an Israelite who obeys your word and lives out your promises in utter devotion to You. You have shown your people a new way of being human: fully devoted, full of compassion and justice, truthful to the core of his being, and endowed with your Spirit.
We rejoice that your fidelity to Israel has overflowed with hope and new life for peoples far beyond the scope of Israel's boundaries. We rejoice that we have heard the good news about Christ Jesus, and in that hearing, and in the lives of holy ones whom You have nurtured in your love, have glimpsed the radiance of Christ's glory, which is your own glory.
God, though we long for a fuller vision of your glory, even what we have seen has been enough to drive us to our knees in terror and trembling. You have evoked an awareness of our sinfulness* and cries for forgiveness.
Thank You for hearing our cry. May we be representatives of your reign and your glory today. Amen.
Isaiah 6:5
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 6: First Tuesday
Mark 9:1-13 (especially verse 1)
Christ Jesus, we rejoice that the glory of God has been revealed in You. We rejoice that through You the prayer You taught your disciples, the prayer that many of us pray daily or weekly, has been answered, in some measure, and that the reign of God has come on earth as in heaven. We await, with hope, the day when that reign will be fully revealed and the entire creation will be aligned with God's gracious intention.
We rejoice that we have had glimpses of your glory in the beauty, intricacy and even terrors of the created world. We rejoice that we have sensed your glory in the preaching of the word, in the faces of our sisters and brothers in Christ, and in the lives of the poor--those on the margins with whom You so fully identified.
Align our lives more completely with God's intention now. Enable us to perceive your glory more fully. Enable us to walk in close fellowship with You and carry out your mission as You have instructed us. Amen.
Day 6: First Tuesday
Mark 9:1-13 (especially verse 1)
Christ Jesus, we rejoice that the glory of God has been revealed in You. We rejoice that through You the prayer You taught your disciples, the prayer that many of us pray daily or weekly, has been answered, in some measure, and that the reign of God has come on earth as in heaven. We await, with hope, the day when that reign will be fully revealed and the entire creation will be aligned with God's gracious intention.
We rejoice that we have had glimpses of your glory in the beauty, intricacy and even terrors of the created world. We rejoice that we have sensed your glory in the preaching of the word, in the faces of our sisters and brothers in Christ, and in the lives of the poor--those on the margins with whom You so fully identified.
Align our lives more completely with God's intention now. Enable us to perceive your glory more fully. Enable us to walk in close fellowship with You and carry out your mission as You have instructed us. Amen.
Monday, March 2, 2020
Prayer for March 1-7, 2020
Sermon Text: Matthew 4:1-11
That every action will be an expression of utter devotion to You
God of grace, we rejoice in the fact that Jesus was not immune to the kinds of temptation and trial that we face in our daily lives. We rejoice, also, that Jesus was led into and through a difficult time of testing by your Spirit, then began his ministry with a deeper understanding of his identity and mission.
As we consider Jesus' response to wilderness testing, we ask that You give us assurance of our identity as your children, in Christ, who do not need to prove who we are. Enable us to feed upon your word, in deep ways, so that it becomes part of the fabric of our lives and enables us to resist temptation even when our physical resources seem to be depleted. Give us discernment to perceive when even the scriptures are being distorted in order to lure us into dangerous, counterfeit acts of faith.
May our heart and mind be settled in You. May every action we take be an expression of our utter devotion to You and your reign, on earth as in heaven. Amen.
Sermon Text: Matthew 4:1-11
That every action will be an expression of utter devotion to You
God of grace, we rejoice in the fact that Jesus was not immune to the kinds of temptation and trial that we face in our daily lives. We rejoice, also, that Jesus was led into and through a difficult time of testing by your Spirit, then began his ministry with a deeper understanding of his identity and mission.
As we consider Jesus' response to wilderness testing, we ask that You give us assurance of our identity as your children, in Christ, who do not need to prove who we are. Enable us to feed upon your word, in deep ways, so that it becomes part of the fabric of our lives and enables us to resist temptation even when our physical resources seem to be depleted. Give us discernment to perceive when even the scriptures are being distorted in order to lure us into dangerous, counterfeit acts of faith.
May our heart and mind be settled in You. May every action we take be an expression of our utter devotion to You and your reign, on earth as in heaven. Amen.
EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 5: First Monday
Mark 9:1-12 (especially verses 2-3)
O Jesus, some of us have been walking with You for many years and sense your presence at various times and with varying degrees of intensity - even thrilling moments of ecstasy. Some of us seldom sense your presence. But we pray in hope. And we walk by faith, trusting in your word as we have heard, read, sung, prayed and contemplated it; trusting, also, in the presence, guidance, and comfort of your Spirit, who moves in unseen, often unrecognized, ways in our lives.
We long for, but do not expect, an intense view of You in your glory. Still, we continue to hope and trust in You. And we follow on, awaiting the day when we will see You face to face, know You fully, and be fully known.* Amen.
* I Corinthians 13:12
Day 5: First Monday
Mark 9:1-12 (especially verses 2-3)
O Jesus, some of us have been walking with You for many years and sense your presence at various times and with varying degrees of intensity - even thrilling moments of ecstasy. Some of us seldom sense your presence. But we pray in hope. And we walk by faith, trusting in your word as we have heard, read, sung, prayed and contemplated it; trusting, also, in the presence, guidance, and comfort of your Spirit, who moves in unseen, often unrecognized, ways in our lives.
We long for, but do not expect, an intense view of You in your glory. Still, we continue to hope and trust in You. And we follow on, awaiting the day when we will see You face to face, know You fully, and be fully known.* Amen.
* I Corinthians 13:12
Sunday, March 1, 2020
LENT 2020
First Sunday
It's late in the day, but I invite You to rest in Christ. Even during the journey that led to the cross, Jesus and his disciples would have found Sabbath rest. This isn't tecnically Sabbath, it's the first day of the week, a day to celebrate new life and new creation.
Consider: What signs of new life do you see in and around you?
What anxieties do you want to release as You rest in Christ?
First Sunday
It's late in the day, but I invite You to rest in Christ. Even during the journey that led to the cross, Jesus and his disciples would have found Sabbath rest. This isn't tecnically Sabbath, it's the first day of the week, a day to celebrate new life and new creation.
Consider: What signs of new life do you see in and around you?
What anxieties do you want to release as You rest in Christ?
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