Day 4 - March 8, 2014

Text

"Zacchaeus was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him...When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.' So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him." 
                                             Luke 19: 3-6

Prayer

Jesus, this Lent I am yearning to wear a Zacchaeus heart.

I am wanting to hear you call my name just as you did his.
I am anxious to know that you are inviting yourself to my
    home.
I am humbled, amazed, excited, and astounded, just as he was.
 
But that is where the desire to wear a Zaccheus heart stops
because I know what happens when you visit someone's
    house.
Conversations occur. Choices are presented. Changes happen.
That's because you look for more than dust when you come
    to visit
and you talk about things more vital than the weather.
You move into the heart's dimension. You gaze deeply.
You don't just dwell. You interact. You activate.
You dwell so lovingly that the truth cannot be resisted.
 
This Lent help me to welcome you and yearn for your love.
Grant me a Zacchaeus heart that turns around and sees the
    truth.
I need the gaze of your love to remind me of my truest self.
I, too, need the strong call to make amends and start anew.
Hurry, Jesus, come and stay at my house today.

                                                                                                        Joyce Rupp