Jesus -
You openly speak to us.
May we hear Your teaching of great suffering, rejection, crucifixion, and resurrection. Forgive us when we rebuke Your teaching and place our minds on human things instead of divine things.
Embolden us to take up our crosses and follow You toward the light of resurrection.
What will it profit us to gain the whole world but lose our lives? Nothing.
What can we give in return for our lives? Everything.
May we boldly and without shame follow You and Your words and live as Your disciples.
In the name of the One who comes in the glory of God with the holy angels, we pray.
Amen.