Lenten Devotion for March 1

The way of the cross

by John Harvey

Jesus,

as we start once again

to follow you

on the way of the cross,

we are apprehensive.

For we are not sure

of ourselves.

On our journey

we have often been afraid,

often sought the safe options,

often fudged the sharp solution.

On our journey

we have often tried to hide

our real selves

from others,

from ourselves

and from you.

We, who dare to say

we are following you,

know how faltering are our footsteps,

how delicate our discipleships,

how feeble our faith.

Yet still you call us

by name

and invite us into your company

and onto your road.

So give us the courage

and the commitment we need:

help us to look out for one another on the road;

show us how we may share the duty

and the joy

of discipleship,

knowing that, in the end,

it is you who have blazed the trail,

you who accompany us all the way,

you who will meet us on the road,

and say our name. Amen.