“Take up your cross and follow me.”
—Mark 8.34
Jesus, you suffered for the sake of love;
help me to love at all cost.
Though we wronged you, you offered forgiveness;
give me your heart of forgiveness.
You met hate and untruth with gentleness;
give me humility and patience.
You suffered without retaliation or bitterness;
lead me in the way of nonviolence.
You were rejected and condemned;
help me find my place among the outcast.
You bore God’s presence into our darkest places;
fill me with your Spirit that I amy do the same.
You were imprisoned and beaten;
help me to love those who are so treated.
You bought grace and even paradise to a fellow victim;
help me to join the communion of those who suffer.
You entered the deep wound of the world with healing;
help me bear your Spirit of peace into the world.
You judged power, violence and empire with love;
help me to live and work for justice.
You made a weapon of oppression an occasion for grace;
help me work with you for the redemption of the world.
You entrusted yourself to the grace of God;
give me faith.
You entered your death with hope;
give me peace.
Help me, Beloved,
take up my cross and follow you.
__________________
Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Unfolding Light
www.unfoldinglight.net
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