A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis for March 31, 2021

During these difficult days, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar and members of the New England Conference Extended Cabinet are sharing a daily prayer based on the Revised Common Lectionary for the week.

You are welcome to use these in worship or in your own devotions.

The doors to Gallicantu (where Peter denied Jesus and the cock crowed); taken on a 2018 pilgrimage to the Holy Land by Rev. Megan Stowe.
 

Wednesday of Holy Week is known as Spy Wednesday, the day in which Judas went to the Chief Priests, promising to lead them to Jesus. The prayer today is focused on Mark 14:10-11, 18-21.
 
 As Sunday School children, O Jesus, we were taught to hate Judas,
  Greedy, conniving, a turncoat.
 History used his example to encourage anti-Semitic sentiment to bubble over.
 But as I came to the door at Gallicantu,
  I understood things differently.
 I walked through the door,
  and there you were, Jesus,
  with your finger outstretched,
 Pointing to me, asking me, “will you be the one to betray me?”
 As a child, I was convinced that I wouldn’t betray my Lord.
  And yet, there have been times I’ve behaved badly.
  There are times when I judge other’s behavior, ignoring my own character flaws.
  Or stayed silent when I should have spoken up.
  There were times I was paralyzed by fear, rather than emboldened by your Spirit.
  There are times when I don’t love my neighbor or myself.
  I have been complicit,
 And yet … Jesus, you still chose to share a meal with him.
 You prepare a banquet table for me.
 As I walked through the doors at Gallicantu,
  The weight of my sin surrounding me,
  Repenting as I left that place, forgiven and redeemed.
 Help me as I go on my typical daily activities.
  Focusing my attention to you.
  Being with the people in the margins.
  Loving who you love.
  Amen.
 
 By Rev. Megan Stowe, Commonwealth West District Superintendent