(Here are three resources for your reflection this week. First, John Colburn shares a video devotional on Jesus as our High Priest. Second, Laurel Schweers wrote a prayer for the one who is physically tired. Third, is a Holy Week Sonnet called “The Anointing at Bethany” by Malcolm Guite. Wednesday of Holy Week is the traditional day to commemorate Jesus’ anointing by Mary at Bethany (John 12:1-8).

We hope these resources encourage you.)

(Written by Laurel Schweers)

Gracious God, You are the Sustainer over all the earth, upholding all that you have created by your sovereign power.

Our bodies are often fatigued, overworked from the demands of our busy schedules, weary from the anxiety that plagues us, and exhausted from unhealthy patterns of rest.

We look to you as the God who never grows tired and weary and ask that you would renew our strength and grant us the energy and renewal that we so often are desperately longing for.

Jesus, make us more like you and allow your strength to be made perfect in our weakness.

We ask this in the name of our Savior, knowing that one day we will see Him fully and receive His holy and perfect rest for all eternity.

Amen

A Sonnet by Malcolm Guite

“The Anointing at Bethany”

Come close with Mary, Martha , Lazarus
So close the candles stir with their soft breath
And kindle heart and soul to flame within us
Lit by these mysteries of life and death.
For beauty now begins the final movement
In quietness and intimate encounter
The alabaster jar of precious ointment
Is broken open for the world’s true lover,

The whole room richly fills to feast the senses
With all the yearning such a fragrance brings,
The heart is mourning but the spirit dances,
Here at the very centre of all things,
Here at the meeting place of love and loss
We all foresee, and see beyond the cross.