Turn and Return by Lisa Degrenia
When Jesus speaks words of sacrifice, many want no part of it. They turn and walk away. You can hear the heartbreak and pain in his voice, “Do you also wish to go away?” The wound grows even deeper as Jesus states someone who stayed will eventually betray him.

We fall away
Slip away
Turn away
Hide away
Run away
Push away
Go our way
Lose our way

Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your Presence?
You pursue

Woman sweeping
Spirit drawing
Hound dog tracking
Lover calling
Brood Hen gathering
Shepherd searching
Racer enduring
Father waiting… praying… hoping… looking… running… embracing
Our turning and returning

I Am Yours by Lisa Degrenia
Simon Peter answered Jesus, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” – John 6:68-69

Jesus, sometimes your way is easy
Your burden is light
It overflows with hope and consolation and grace

Sometimes your way is hard
It confronts and challenges
It offends me – what I believe and what I hold dear

Sometimes your way is mysterious
I don’t understand
I can’t see it, grasp it

Still, I follow
I want to follow

Help me hold nothing back from you
Even my doubts and questions

Help me open the deepest places of my being to you
All my weaknesses and wounds
All my strengths and privilege
All that I am and will become

You have the words of eternal life
You are the Holy One of God
I trust you
I have confidence in you
I am yours

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I’m posting prayers based on the Gospel of John throughout the seasons of Lent and Easter this year. Thanks for coming along with me on the journey. – Lisa <><

John 6:56-69 is read on Year B — Season after Pentecost — Proper 16 (21)

Questions and Commitment prayers © 2023 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia. You are welcome to use this work in a worship setting without asking permission. It’s always a treat to hear from you if you’re using it. Leave a comment for information and permission to publish this work in a book, blog, etc.