Sunday Prayer

Gracious God, today the road before us begins to take on more shape. The cross comes into focus and we begin to understand the disciples who said to Jesus, "No. There has to be another way. It can't be as you say it will be."

Holy One, we will need your strength and your presence in these coming days. In the next two weeks, the story of our faith will take us to the depths and heights of emotion. In our despairing and in our rejoicing, we give thanks for your promise to be with us, always.

Are we like the Gentiles who came to "see Jesus" along the road so long ago? What did they mean? Did they want to observe him from a distance, or talk with him and delve into his soul? Do we come to church to "see Jesus" or to truly encounter him? Do we want a glimpse of your realm, or the full-on glory of it? I suppose that is for each of us to decide. By your grace, we do not discern these things alone. We have each other. We have you, God. And we have the power of the Holy Spirit, promised by the One in whose name we pray. Jesus Christ. Amen.