Still conversing with his disciples about the essential things of life, Jesus boldly asks them to voice what they want. He wisely invites them to listen deeply to their wants, needs, and desires.
As you go to prayer this day, consider listening longer with Jesus to the wanting beneath your wanting. Sometimes there are many layers to our wanting. Our body and our spirit will notice when we find the core of our desire. Notice how the Holy Spirit guides you through this process. Sense how the presence of Christ is with you as you truly listen and acknowledge each layer of desire that is there. Keep company with all that comes. If shame rises up about your wanting, allow Jesus to keep company with you in that too. When you sense Jesus’ compassion for you, you might linger there with him. Return to his gaze of love as you find yourself wandering off.
Mark 10:35-45 (NIV)
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”
“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.
They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”
“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”
“We can,” they answered.
Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”
When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
For Reflection and Prayer:
Was there a word, a phrase, image, or feeling that ‘shimmered’ as you listened? Allow it to land in your heart. Stay with it. Savor it.
Reflect on what you heard. What effect does it have on you? What meaning does it hold for you? What does the Holy Spirit seem to be conveying to you? Talk it over in your prayer. Perhaps you want to draw or color your prayer or journal the conversation.
As the time of prayer comes to a close, share some moments of quiet with Jesus, simply resting safely in his presence.
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