St. Nicolai Notes

Prayer for September 19-25, 2021
Sermon Text: Mark 9:30-37

That we may set aside competition for honor and welcome the vulnerable among us

Patient One, some of us act as though responding to your love is an invitation to live a life that is free of suffering. We ignore the way of suffering that Jesus walked and to which he called his followers.

We are inclined to think that something about faith has malfunctioned when we do suffer, whether by the words and actions of other people, or by the uncontrollable events of our lives.

Enable us to trust You as we follow the guidance of your Spirit and live with the bold love and fidelity of Jesus. Enable us to realize that You are present with us in the midst of both the most joyful and most difficult moments of our lives. Enable us to be “strong and courageous” as we recognize your presence.

Enable us, as we walk the way of Jesus, to set aside competition with each other. Enable us not to think about personal glory, but to serve each other in ways that enable us to share loss and grief, blessing and joy, in life enhancing ways.

As we set aside competition with each other, enable us to see the most vulnerable among us, including our children, and the children of our neighbors and enemies, as ones in whom we may welcome your divine presence. We pray in the name of the One who led us at great cost. Amen.