St. Nicolai Notes

EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 30: Fifth Tuesday
Mark 13:1-37

     Jesus, we don't know quite what to make of your words of prophecy. So much has been fulfilled, some of it many times over. Your people were left scattered among the nations after the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. They still mourn. And many still await the messiah.
     We acclaim You as Messiah. But since You have not returned, we look for an overflow of meaning in your words. Some of us map out elaborate schemas to try to narrow the time frame in which your return may be expected. Some of us make no effort to predict the times, but attempt to live in ways that are consistent with your teaching and with the movement of your Spirit among us.
     Enable us to live with eyes wide open to the new things that You are already doing among us that we have not yet perceived. Enable us to live our faith boldly and rely on the guidance of the Spirit to speak words of forgiveness and hope. Help us to practice personal righteousness and communal justice. May our entire life be lived in acknowledgement of your sovereignty and reign. And help us stand firm in faith, no matter what confusing or frightening circumstances may arise before us. Amen.