Daily Worship

Discipleship has a cost - Thanksgiving

Norah Summers April 06, 2014 0 0

Hebrews 12: 1-2

God Our Father

As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right side of God's throne.

Time to give thanks
for all who have gone before us,
on the path of discipleship – 
from the early followers of Jesus
whose example we read about,
to those we have known ourselves.

Thank you, loving God,
for all who have nurtured us
in body, mind and soul.

What did it cost them?

The parents who made real sacrifices
to feed and clothe and educate us,

the teachers and youth leaders
who gave their time and talents 
to feed our minds 
and develop our skills,

the church family
taking its own vow at our baptism
to encourage us in our faith.

And those of us who did not grow up with this background,
but have come later to faith,
or are still seeking the way forward,

we too can give thanks 
for those who have invited us 
and made us welcome
and led us on a new way.

For all who have given of themselves
to care,
to challenge,
to push,
to encourage,
to make disciples,

we give you thanks,
loving God, 
who gave us the costliest gift of all.

 

Norah Summers
Falkirk Trinity Church