Jesus is King of kings, ruling over the Kingdom which will not shatter like all those “kingdoms” we see, and his eyes pernitrate our hearts and minds. He sees what we do not, and what we do not want others to see. Still, he offers us a place of honor and responsibility in his rule. He ask only that we hold fast to what we have in him, keeping his works of love and faith, service and endurance. Our collective prayer this week asks for Jesus’ eyes to no only reveal but transform, not only pernitrate but purify.
Let us pray together these words adapted from Ernest Campbell.
Our names and needs, hearts and minds, are know to you, O King Jesus. Behind our outward appearance and measured manners lie unruly kingdoms of fierce ambition, shameful pride, and passions that we hope will never see the light of day.
Where we shout the loudest we are most insecure;
Where we have betrayed you most grievously we are most defensive.
Where we have sensed and done your will most fully we are
largely unaware,
and our witness is stronger for it.
Help us, Father, to see as you see. To see each other as you see us. To see people in your image, created to share responsibility in your kingdom. Let the love of Christ so rule our hearts and minds that each may think of the other first, and all of us live to adorn the gospel of the crucified and risen Christ.
These prayers we offer to you through the same Jesus Christ our King of kings. Amen.