If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Mark 8:34
Lord Jesus,
It’s not very popular in our selfie culture
to deny ourselves.
We’re pretty committed
to self-fulfillment,
self-esteem,
and self-promotion.
Only by your marvelous grace
and mighty Spirit
can we be transformed.
We long to follow you
as children play follow-the-leader,
never losing sight of you,
doing what you do
(even if we don’t understand why you do it),
venturing into the unfamiliar and uncomfortable.
In this season of Lent,
lead us to learn how to say no
to all the things we think we need
for life and happiness.
In this season of Lent,
remind us of the great good news of the gospel—
“in Christ,”
we are fully empowered
to deny ourselves
and to follow you
in your mission of redeeming your people
for the sake of God’s glory.
What cause for rejoicing!
In your leading name. Amen.
Read Mark 8:31-38.
