Take Up Your Cross

Jesus called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” And he said to them, “Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.” Mark 8:34—9:1

Loving God, Creator and Redeemer

you know the sorrows of your creation

you weep with the fires and the floods

and ache to restore all of your beloved.

We often blame you for our troubles

though we have often been the cause

our selfishness and our arrogance

has done damage across the globe.

You did not forsake your children

you walked among us healing

and you live among us even now

with those who will walk humbly.

Help us to walk humbly and to listen

help us open our hearts to the pain

let us reach out with your loving hands

so that the world might know you now. Amen.