Feb 17, 2008 - The Thorns
Lenten Reading—The Thorns
Leader:
Today we hang upon the cross the crown of thorns. With thorns we crowned the One Who proclaimed the Kingdom of God, calling His subjects to the humility of seeking rebirth. We preferred the old kingdom of self-satisfaction and superiority.
Congregation: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. We yearn for you, but above all protect our reputations. Absorbed by self, we again place you on the cross, refusing to take up our own and follow you. Have mercy on us.
Leader: Our world honors kings who control others by force. But Jesus calls us to deny our own craving for control, to surrender ourselves to the Spirit, who works as he wishes, to take up our cross and follow him.
Congregation: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. We do not understand earthly things, let alone heavenly things. Absorbed by self, we again place you on the cross, refusing to take up our own and follow you. Have mercy on us.
Leader: Our kings offer their followers might and glory in this life. The King crowned with thorns demonstrates God’s love for the world. This King offers all life eternally!
Congregation: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. Even as we begin to trust your love, we want to reserve it for ourselves. Absorbed by self, we again place you on the cross, refusing to take up our own and follow you. Have mercy on us.
Leader: Let us pray together...
Congregation: Almighty God, whose glory it is always to have mercy:
Free us from the self-absorption of sin.
Forgive the ways we continue to place Jesus on the cross.
Form in us his very character--
his humility,
his service,
his forgiveness,
his sacrificial love--
Through Your mighty resurrection power!
Amen.
Copyright 2008 by Oklahoma City First Church of the Nazarene
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