Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.— Luke 14:27

We say “yes Lord”
to your love,
your grace,
your call.
We say “yes Lord”
to your invitation,
your voice,
your will.
But then as we listen,
as we heed your call,
our “yes” becomes
quieter,
softer,
tentative.
Our answer less clear,
less certain,
less firm.
We ask,
“How, Lord?”
“When, Lord?”
“Me, Lord?”
“Really, Lord?”
We are afraid of saying “yes”.
Afraid of where we may be led.
Afraid of who you may lead us to.
Afraid of the cross you may ask us to carry.
We are afraid of saying “yes”.
Our “yes” to you may require us saying “no”.
“No” to our own selfish desires.
“No” to the wants of our hearts.
“No” to some around us.
“No” to our world.
And we are afraid Lord.
Teach us to trust your promise.
to embrace your call.,
to listen to your voice.
Strengthen us Lord,
to be your disciples,
to follow your voice.