Praying with Paul: 'The Power of the Cross'

Dear Father, author of all true wisdom,

Thank you that you do not send your emissaries out as mere recruiters. They are not just to baptize but to preach the Good News about Jesus, that he doesn't just want us to "join his club" but he wants us to be like him, yes, to be him, to be his body, in the world.

Thank you for not appealing to us with elegant ideas or eloquent speech, lest the message of the cross be emptied of its power. For while this word of the cross is utter folly to those who are perishing, to us who are being saved by it, it is your power.

Grant me the courage and strength to trust you when worldly wisdom sounds convincing.

In the name of the one who empowers me to live according to his righteousness, I pray. Amen.