Scripture Reading
Luke 9:23
And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."
Reflection
The word "daily" is the one that cuts deepest. Jesus is not describing a heroic once-in-a-lifetime act of martyrdom but the unglamorous, repeated choice of every ordinary day: deny the self that wants to be the center, pick up whatever cross this specific day brings, and follow. Lent makes this logic explicit, but it is the pattern of every Christian day.
Prayer for Today
God of love,
source of mercy and compassion,
weave your dream for the world
into the fabric of our lives.
Remove the scales from our eyes
and lift the indifference from our hearts,
so that we may see your vision
a new reign of justice and compassion
that will renew the earth.
Transform our lives,
so that we may accomplish your purpose.
Anoint us with your spirit of love
that we might bring good news to the oppressed,
bind up the brokenhearted,
and proclaim release to the captive.
Give us a new urgency
and a new commitment
to feed the hungry,
clothe the naked,
shelter the homeless,
and visit those who live in isolation.
Help us to reach out to those
whom no one else will touch,
to accept the unacceptable,
and to embrace the enemy.
Surround us with your love,
fill us with your grace,
and strengthen us for your service.
Empower us to respond to the call of Jesus
to deny ourselves,
to take up our crosses,
and to follow.
Make us your disciples.
Amen
source of mercy and compassion,
weave your dream for the world
into the fabric of our lives.
Remove the scales from our eyes
and lift the indifference from our hearts,
so that we may see your vision
a new reign of justice and compassion
that will renew the earth.
Transform our lives,
so that we may accomplish your purpose.
Anoint us with your spirit of love
that we might bring good news to the oppressed,
bind up the brokenhearted,
and proclaim release to the captive.
Give us a new urgency
and a new commitment
to feed the hungry,
clothe the naked,
shelter the homeless,
and visit those who live in isolation.
Help us to reach out to those
whom no one else will touch,
to accept the unacceptable,
and to embrace the enemy.
Surround us with your love,
fill us with your grace,
and strengthen us for your service.
Empower us to respond to the call of Jesus
to deny ourselves,
to take up our crosses,
and to follow.
Make us your disciples.
Amen
Amen.