St. Nicolai Notes

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.