St. Nicolai Notes

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