Prayer for today related to John 12:1-11 for your use.
To explore more about Jesus this Easter week visit http://www.rejesus.co.uk/
God of Mary, Martha and Lazarus,
In their story we see Jesus share in sensuality and the stench of death
Give us courage to face death and seek to transform it.
God of the Jews of John's Gospel,
In their story we see people plan to exterminate Lazarus and Jesus
Give us courage to enter the death-defying story of Jesus.
God of Mary, Martha and Lazarus,
In their story we see people offer extravagant welcome
Give us courage to create communities of difference without death
God of the Jews of John's Gospel,
In their story we see Jesus as dangerous and attractive
Give us courage to invite others into the death-defying life of Jesus
in this Holy Week.
Amen
Read from the Bible in the New Testament from the book of John chapter 12 verses 1 to 11, listen in silence with God in the world around and within you. See what happens and what prayer is prayed in you. The prayer above emerged out of our community's weekly renewal of faith gathering of 8 adults who are part of St. Marks United Reformed Church in Wythenshawe, Manchester where we hear the bible, stories of our lives, mixed up with mediated news and we imagine, pray, talk, listen together to each other and God. This and all the subsequent prayers that will be shared here daily this Holy Week came out of my response to being together in community.
Please feel free to use this prayer in your life/gathering this week before Easter. This prayer is also printed in A Chair Pulled to the Place of Prayer, Prayer Handbook 2008, granary ISBN 0-85346-263-1. Written by Kate Gray. I don't know who painted the painting of Lazarus raised to life a black Christ in community with Mary & Martha looking on but I find it provokes me to imagine a scene for myself in relation to John 12
