Here’s a prayer for Holy Tuesday, recalling Jesus’ words about taking up our cross if we would follow him. Whatever that cross might be, it could scarcely be more challenging than that which Christ himself was about to endure.
HOLY TUESDAY
He said to them all, ‘If any want to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their
cross daily, and then follow me. For those wishing to save their life will lose it, but those who
lose their life for my sake will save it.’
Matthew 16:24-26
Lord Jesus Christ,
you could have walked away from Jerusalem,
but you didn’t.
You could have avoided the way of the cross,
but you didn’t.
You could have said no to the way of sacrifice,
but you didn’t.
You could have turned your back on others,
but you didn’t.
You could have put yourself first,
but you didn’t.
You could have given in to temptation,
but you didn’t.
You could have sought worldly power and acclaim,
but you didn’t.
You could have exalted yourself,
but you didn’t.
You could have taken the easy way,
but you didn’t.
You could have compromised your convictions,
but you didn’t.
You could have refused the price of saving us,
but you didn’t.
You could have left us to our fate,
but you didn’t.
Lord Jesus Christ,
I know I will never get near to emulating your example,
but give me the resolve I need to deny myself at least sometimes,
to take up whatever cross you would have me bear,
and trustingly to follow.
Amen.
Beautiful words of true meaning. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Julie.
Great resource for leading meditative prayer in this most intense of weeks