St. Nicolai Notes

EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Ash Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Mark 8:31-38 (especially 8:31)

I don't always notice feedback, but I'd be interested in your thoughts on which of the two styles you find useful. I wrote 2 prayers (or exchanges) of the first style, then wrote alternatives. Do you prefer style 1 or style 2. I do not anticipate writing 2 prayers a day for the rest of Lent, but could use some input. If you find neither useful, I'd be interested to know that too. It might be most useful to give your feedback after day 2. It just occurred to me that you may not discern a big enough difference to make a choice. Let me know. Thank you. May God bless and keep each of you. Dave

Style 1:

     In the same moment when we grasp who You are, when we are able to identify You as God's Anointed One, You begin to teach us that the way ahead leads to rejection, suffering and death. And You declare that your greatest resistance will come from those we consider most religious.
     We are confounded, angry. How could this be? How can our hopes and those of our people be fulfilled if your destiny is death?
     We've seen so much as we've walked with You, listened to You, and went out to enact your agenda of forgiveness, healing and liberation. So many surprising moments! So much joy and anticipation!
     Now, a moment of clarity has turned to mud. What do we do? Do we walk away? Do we return to our former lives? Do we look for someone else to follow? Tell us!
     Can You somehow relieve the anxiety that is rising within us? Help us understand. Help us to see that everything that lies ahead is not full of bitterness.

Style 2:

     O Jesus, in the same moment when we finally grasp who You are, when we are able to say that You are God's Anointed One, You begin to show us the cost of utter fidelity. You begin to teach us that the way ahead, your way, leads to rejection, suffering, and death. And You declare that your most stubborn resistance and rejection comes at the hands of those who wield the most religious power.
     In our shock, we often miss your final words about life. We are too confounded and angry to understand them. We are bitter that our personal striving and nationalistic hopes will not be fulfilled by You.
     We do not understand. We thought there was clear linkage between You and our national dreams. We thought You were her to reinforce our vision of our own privileged status and superiority.
     We want to believe in You. We want to follow You. But something has to change--perhaps something in us--if we are to comprehend and count the cost of following You. We are tempted to resign as your followers. Show us why we should continue in your way. Amen.