St. Nicolai Notes

Lenten Prayer - Day 36 - Sixth Tuesday (March 30, 2021)
Gospel Reading: John 12:20-36

     Jesus, many want to see You. Many want to watch as You perform some work of healing or exorcism. Many want to hear a word that can calm a storm or change a life.

     But not many of us are interested in following You in the way of resistance, and suffering that You walked in those final days that resulted in your death. Not many of us want to identify ourselves primarily as servant. Not many of us are anxious to die to ourselves so that we may produce abundant fruit for the reign of God. 

     We prefer to cling to the life we have, including the abundant resources we have accumulated, and create a place for ourselves that we imagine is secure and free from chaos. We prefer to choose our own way, even though our choices often diminish and damage us, and many others around us.

     Jesus, we are sorry that You had to face the hour of suffering and death, but we are thankful that You did so. We are thankful that You were willing to lay down your life for your friends.* We rejoice that God affirmed your choice and gave You glory.

     Jesus, it is not evident, to us, that the "prince of this world" has been judged and driven out. There is so much chaos, hatred, and injustice around us that it requires deeper faith than we often have in order to believe this. But we trust in You. We believe that God has vindicated You and is still accomplishing the divine purpose through You.

     Living Light, enable us to walk in the light, confident, not in ourselves, but in You. Amen.

*John 15:13