Here’s a very thoughtful prayer by John van de Laar on what it means to carry the cross.
Faith That Carries The Cross
(based on Mark 8:31-38, John 12:23-26, Luke 14:27)
It is too easy, God
for faith to become an escape
—a way to avoid the pain of being human and alive;
or a path to success
—a way to pursuade the universe to give us the things we want;
or a system of control
—a way to bend others to our will
But the faith you offer is different, Jesus,
more dangerous and compelling;
It's the faith that carries the cross,
that embraces death
and lays itself down for the sake of others;
It's the only faith that can lead us to resurrecton
to life renewed and overflowing.
We praise you for this faith, God,
and open our hearts to receive it.
Amen.
— Copyright © John van de Laar, from his Sacredise website. Visit there for many other excellent lectionary-based worship resources.
