St. Nicolai Notes

Lenten Prayer – Day 28 – Fifth Saturday (March 20, 2021)
Gospel Reading: John 12:9-19

     Jesus, in spite of raising the hopes of many, and raising the ire of some among your people, You continued to proclaim and enact God’s reign in ways that often confused, but that were consistent with God’s desire to forgive, heal, liberate, and unite God’s people to declare God’s praise and bless all nations.
     In the face of peril, You went to the cultural center of your people, and were acclaimed as rescuer, representative of God, and sovereign. For a moment, at least, you were recognized as the fulfillment of many prophecies and many dreams.
     You knew that the coming days would bring heightened resistance to the renewing work God was doing through You. You knew the fickle nature of our hearts. But you continued to pursue your objective and act in obedience to the One who sent You.
     Jesus, we acclaim You as God’s Chosen and Anointed One. We cry, “Save us!” believing that You have done so, and will do so, just as the One who sent You has done, many times, in covenant partnership with Israel. Let our moments of clarity about who You are provide not only the fulfillment of ecstatic hopes, but the foundation and impetus for the slow steady walk of friendship and obedience to which You call us.
     We acclaim You with joy! You are our hope! Enable us to follow You all the way to the cross.* Amen.

*See Mark 8:34; Matthew 16:24; and Luke 9:23, in their contexts.