A PRAYER FOR LENT 5. NT

John 12:1-11 (NIV)

12 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint[a] of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.[b]” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you,[c] but you will not always have me.”

How can we glorify you

Lord Jesus

Can we do it with our purses?

We can write a check Lord

Give to the food pantry

Be sure to contribute

so the less fortunate won't suffer too much

So many people that need our help

We can never give enough

But we try, Lord, we try

How can we glorify you

Lord Jesus

Can we do it with our petitions?

We sign them all

To save the trees and the whales

Make sure our congress people

know they know where we stand

and what they want to do

There are so many causes

Too many to fight for

But we try, Lord Jesus, we try

How can we glorify you

Lord Jesus

Can we do it at our meetings.

We serve on all the right committees

Attend the rallies

and make the calls

For peace and justice

filling up our schedules and commitments

Too many groups fighting for our energy

there never is enough time

Bit we try, Lord Jesus, we try

How can we glorify you

Lord Jesus

Can we do it with our prayers?

We meditate and reflect

on all the people and their needs

Remember all the names

from the lists in our bulletins

and the Prayer Chain

There are always more with needs

We grow exhausted and overwhelmed

But we try, Lord Jesus, we try

Forgive us

when we think it all up to us

Our gifts

Our involvement

Our time and talents

Our prayers and supplications

Forgive us that we want to be

leaders and not followers

Be heroes and saviors

not obedient disciples

and willing servants

Forgive us Lord for forgetting

that the Kingdom of God

doesn't come according

to our timetable

but in God's own time and place

Come, Lord Jesus

and preach Good News to the poor

Come, Lord Jesus

and give sight to the blind

Come, Lord Jesus

and liberate the oppressed

Come, Lord Jesus

and bring God's Kingdom

Come, Lord Jesus

Come now

Come always

Amen