Reading God’s Word: Mark 14:32-52; Psalm 41

Memorizing God’s Word: Ephesians 3:17b-18 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,

Meditating on God’s Word: Psalm 41:9 Even my close friend, someone I trusted,

one who shared my bread, has turned against me.”

Praying God’s Word: “Lord, the friend in this word of prophecy would eventually have a name: Judas.  We see the scene unfold in our gospel reading today.  The next word you say in the psalm: “But may you have mercy on me, Lord; raise me up, that I may repay them.” God’s mercy was strong on you as you healed the man with his ear cut off, you allowed the mob to arrest you and you would repay your enemy and disciple alike with forgiveness, grace and love.  And indeed, God would ‘raise you up’ over death and sin.  Jesus, teach me, change me, make me more like you! Amen.”