Thursday Prayer: Worth Everything

Father, 55 Christians died in Nagasaki four centuries ago, choosing execution over denial, faithfulness over survival, Christ over life itself. They were beheaded and burned alive rather than step on images of Jesus or renounce faith. Their courage convicts my comfortable Christianity.

I face no persecution, no risk, no cost for faith. Yet I compromise when discipleship becomes uncomfortable, hide faith when confession is awkward, choose ease over obedience when sacrifice is required. Forgive my cowardice that wants you without cost, faith without suffering, discipleship without cross-carrying.

Give me courage to count you worth whatever you ask - not literal martyrdom (though grant that courage if needed), but daily sacrifices that cost me something. Using money for your kingdom instead of my comfort. Speaking truth when silence is safer. Living counter-culturally when conformity is easier. The Japanese martyrs counted you worth their lives. Help me count you worth my comfort.