Theresa Doyle-Nelson

Pontius Pilate had a sign put upon Jesus’ cross–written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek–that read “Jesus the Nazorean, the King of the Jews” (John 19:19). Those who despised Jesus wanted this sign down! But Pilate refused. “What I have written, I have written” (John 19:22).

Some years ago, the priest at a nearby chapel expressed a special love for Scripture. One lesson he often worked in was how the bible is full of little prayers. Consider starting a collection of your own favorite little bible prayers.

“This I know: God is on my side.” —Psalm 56:10b. Turn to the Book of Psalms in your Bible. Read one with heart and let the words help you to feel God’s presence.

“The Lord is near to all who call upon him.” —Psalm 145:18a.

“They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served” (Jn 12:2a). I had always sort of assumed that Martha learned a lesson about letting go of housework after her complaint to Jesus about Mary not helping out (Lk 10:38-42).

I can relate to St. Andrew—when the huge crowd of people had gathered, and there was nothing but a few fish and loaves of bread to be found, he fretted.