We invite you to make a ‘Sacred Space’, praying here and now, as you visit our website, with the help of the Gospel of the day and on-screen guidance.
Begin the Prayer
Consider making a donation to Sacred Space.
SOMETHING TO THINK AND PRAY ABOUT THIS WEEK
What is it you want?
The question, ‘What is it you want?’ is one that Jesus often asks in the gospels. How people answer that question is an indication of what their priorities are. When Jesus asked the question of the blind man, he answered, ‘Let me see again’. When Jesus asked the question of the disciples of John the Baptist at the beginning of John’s Gospel, they answered, ‘Where are you staying?’ In both cases, Jesus could respond to the answer given to his question. When the same question was asked of the mother of two of the twelve, James and John, Jesus could not respond to the answer he got to his question. The answer given by the mother revealed that her priorities were for her sons to have positions of status and honour in Jesus’ kingdom. This was to misunderstand the nature of the kingdom that Jesus came to proclaim. It was at the moment when Jesus was devoid of all status and honour, as he hung from a Roman cross, that he was publicly proclaimed king. This was intended in mockery, but, ironically, it proclaimed a truth. Jesus revealed God’s kingdom of love most fully at that moment of greatest shame and humiliation. James, John, and the other disciples needed to know that they were signing up to a kingdom that bore no relationship to the kingdoms of this world. Jesus was not to be found among the ‘rulers’ and ‘great men’ who ‘lord it over’ their subjects and ‘make their authority felt’. His authority showed itself not in being served but in the self-emptying, loving service of others. The same goes for all who would be his disciples. Jesus’ work today remains that of bringing God’s kingdom to earth, not building another earthly kingdom.
Martin Hogan, The Word is a Lamp on my Path
We remember at this time...
We have a brand New Year before us, full of potential and waiting to be embraced. How will we approach it – with enthusiasm, with reluctance, or with the quiet hope that this year will be better than the last one? As we step forward, may we hold on to the promise found in Scripture:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”. Romans 15:13
Sacred Space – Daily Prayer for 25 Years
Sacred Space began in 1999 and has offered new content every day since then. You can learn more about Sacred Space on our About page, or if you are a regular, you can share your Sacred Space Story on our Feedback page. For our 25th anniversary, we are featuring stories from people for whom Sacred Space has played a special part in their lives. Please consider sharing your Sacred Space Story.
Sacred Space Feedback