121 Days of Prayer

Anyone Who Does Not Carry His Cross and Follow Me Cannot Be My Disciple

The purposes of this prayer are: Obedience and Increased Faith.

Eternal Father, Jesus warned his followers of the total commitment that would be required of his disciples, even to the point of death: “Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: ‘If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and his mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters- yes, even his own life- he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:25–27 (NIV). At another time, Jesus told his followers, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23 (NIV). Not only must a disciple of Jesus be ready to take up his cross, but he must be ready to deny himself and take up his cross daily. Lord, we pray for the faith to be disciples of Jesus and to be able to take up our crosses every day. May we be obedient only to your will, Father. Amen.