Prayer: Faith that Carries the Cross


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.