Our Gospel this week is Mark 11:1-11, taken today from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).
As they approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples, and said to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one yet has ever sat; untie it and bring it here. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ you say, ‘The Lord has need of it’; and immediately he will send it back here.” They went away and found a colt tied at the door, outside in the street; and they untied it. Some of the bystanders were saying to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They spoke to them just as Jesus had told them, and they gave them permission. They brought the colt to Jesus and put their coats on it; and He sat on it. And many spread their coats in the road, and others spread leafy branches which they had cut from the fields. Those who went in front and those who followed were shouting: “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord ; Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David; Hosanna in the highest!” Jesus entered Jerusalem and came into the temple; and after looking around at everything, He left for Bethany with the twelve, since it was already late.
Jesus knew exactly what was asked of Him as He came to Jerusalem. He had told His followers before “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised on the third day” (Luke 9:22). Many who heard didn’t understand – how could the one who came to save them die?
Jesus knew God’s plan because He was in connection with the Father constantly. Jesus knew the importance of prayer, He practiced it and taught it to us. Prayer is the only way to share our lives and our concerns with God, not that He doesn’t already know but when we pray, we become part of the process.
People often say “I wish God would speak to me!” not realizing that He is waiting for us in prayer. When we open ourselves to God, He will open Himself to us. “Take time to be holy, speak oft with the Lord” says the old hymn. Spend time in prayer and you will begin to see the plan God has for you.
Loving Lord, we waste our time on idle pursuits and unfulfilling speech. Help us to find You in prayer that we may be connected eternally. Amen.