St. Nicolai Notes

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.