Tuesday Prayer: Holy Tuesday

Jesus, religious leaders questioned your authority while you demonstrated it through every word and action. They protected their positions while you served sacrificially. They gave impressive amounts while keeping most for themselves; a widow gave everything in trust. I see myself in both groups and it troubles me.

I question your authority when your commands inconvenience me. I protect my autonomy while claiming to submit to you. I give you portions while withholding areas I want to control. I want your blessing without your lordship, your benefits without your authority over my life.

Forgive my selective submission, my conditional obedience, my careful calculation of what I'll surrender versus what I'll keep. You have all authority in heaven and earth - help me actually live like I believe that. Teach me the widow's trust that gives everything because you're worthy of everything.