Isaiah 42:1-9

God of Persistent Purpose,

Your “I am” is always followed by “I call.”
Even more specifically, “I call you.”
Even more intensely, we assume “you” can mean “me.”

You call me to Holy Week.  You call me to set aside a week from the all-consuming rat race of productivity for human glory.

You call me to Holy Week as your servant. You call me to set aside my life so as to live at another’s invitation, to live for another’s well-being.

You call me to Holy Week as your servant to be formed in righteousness.  You call me to wrestle with understanding mystery enough to connect with truth.

You call me to Holy Week as your servant to be formed in righteousness in order to bring forth justice.  You call me to join your salvation of your people through liberation of the oppressed and revelation to those sitting in darkness.

When it all feels too much, may I return to your beginning.  You are.  I am you are.

May remembering these things re-member me, your servant whose persistent purpose extends far beyond this lifetime I lead.

In the name of the One whose servanthood led to revelation by annihilation,

Amen.