The community of Taizé sing Fiez-vous en lui: “Trust in Him and do not fear. The peace of God will protect your hearts. Alleluia.”

Fiez-vous en Lui, ne craignez pas.

La paix de Dieu gardera vos coeurs.

Fiez-vous en Lui. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark.

Mark 6:7-13

[Jesus] called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.’ So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

For today’s prayer, imagine that you are with the disciples of Jesus as they gather for his instructions as he sends them to minister, two by two. Maybe try adding some of your friends there as disciples too...

As Jesus prepares you for this ministry, note whom you most like to travel with for this task? Why with this person?

Now, as you and your friend are paired together, listen to Jesus’s instructions:

You are to take nothing except a staff...no bread...no bag...no money...just one tunic...

How do you feel about this? Scared maybe? Ill equipped? Or perhaps liberated and light.

‘So, they went out and proclaimed that all should repent.’ As you listen to the reading again, imagine the two of you setting off.

Mark 6:7-13

[Jesus] called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.’ So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Imagine that you and your friend are returning to Jesus. How does he welcome you back? As we approach the end of our prayer, spend time giving thanks for the times of your ministry for the Lord and give special thanks for those who have ministered to you.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen