St. Nicolai Notes

EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 25: Fifth Wednesday
Mark 12:1-12

     Even now, Christ Jesus, it seems likely that some of the greatest resistance and violence against You, and your way, comes from among the leaders of well-established churches. We have come to think that your church is ours. We have figured out ways to enrich ourselves that are often costly to the spiritual vitality of our congregations. We have learned to speak with such eloquence that our self-serving interests are largely hidden from view. And we are strongly and tenaciously resistant to anything that would reduce the social power that we exercise - even your presence and your word.
     Forgive us for claiming what does not belong to us. Forgive us for our selfishness. Forgive us for our refusal to serve with humility. Forgive us for our desire to exercise control over others as though they were our servants. Forgive us for the violence in our hearts.
     Overcome our resistance to You and do your work through us. Transform us so that we become servant leaders as You were. Enable us to act only for God's glory and to see God's reign more fully realized among us. Amen.