Prayer based on John 12:1-8, Mary Anoints Jesus
I was struck by the motivational differences between Mary and Judas. Mary is humble, genuine, sacrificial, and intimate in expressing her love and thanks to Jesus. Judas is scheming, hypocritical, distancing, and self-serving. Mary is whole-hearted while Judas is two-faced.

Do Judas’ actions sour the moment for Jesus? Steal the joy of the blessing? I hope not.

Blessed Jesus,
We see the beauty of you alive in Mary

Her gift
inspires us to love you sacrificially and extravagantly

Her actions
motivate us to thank you deeply and publically

Her heart
moves us to nurture an intimate and authentic relationship with you

Reveal any falsehood at work in us
so we may leave it behind
so more and more of your grace comes forth
Amen

Based on John 13:33-35
Jesus said, “Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.”

Son of God
Savior
Sacrifice

Your love is Fierce and Forever
Abounding and Intimate
Generous, Goodness, and Grace

Fill me with your Spirit
Make me your love

It is your command
It is your way
It is your gift
It is You and your work

Yes, make me your witness
And yes, make me your will
But first and always, make me your love

Pause in silence to receive

_______________

For the next few months, I’m reading a chapter from the Gospels each day. This is part of the Summer in the Scriptures reading plan sponsored by the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. Click Here for the reading plan.

You’re most welcome to read along and to join the Facebook discussion group, Summer in the Scriptures. You don’t need to be a Methodist or attend a Methodist church. All are welcome and all means all.

As part of the Facebook group, I’ve been supplying prayers based on the day’s reading. Feel free to post your prayers and observations based on the readings here or there as well.

May the grace of the Gospels, the challenge, and the call, inspire us to great faith and great good works in Jesus’ name. – Lisa <

Mary’s Witness © 2020 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia
Make Me Your Love © 2019 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia
You are welcome to use this work in a worship setting with proper attribution.
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