Mark 10:35-41

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Appoint us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized you will be baptized, but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to appoint, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John.

Prayer

Merciful God, sometimes I get caught up in thinking about the things I want. I am selfish and focus on what I want from others and even from You. Sometimes, I think that I deserve more than I have; that I am entitled to privileges and power that I have not worked to achieve. Forgive me. Forgive my selfishness. Forgive my jealousy. Forgive my entitlement. Strengthen me to recognize Your power and place of authority in my life. Amen.