For When We're Scared to Be Vulnerable
A Centering Prayer Inspired by John 12:1-8
Today I had to step out of my comfort zone, to take an action that felt both vulnerable and necessary. I know the critics will come—they always do when we dare to love beyond what's "appropriate," when we choose radical grace over playing it safe. But I keep thinking about Mary, pouring out that expensive perfume, letting her love disrupt the room's proper order. She knew what she was doing would draw judgment, yet she chose extravagant love anyway.
Maybe that's what self-emptying love looks like: choosing to pour ourselves out even when others question, even when it costs us something, even when it makes us vulnerable to criticism. Sometimes the most courageous act is simply showing up with our whole hearts, letting our love disturb the status quo, trusting that grace is worth the risk.
For When We're Scared to Be Vulnerable
A Centering Prayer Inspired by John 12:1-8
Love That Holds Nothing Back,
When I'm tempted to stay safe,
To guard my heart,
To keep walls high—
Let me remember Mary's courage:
Breaking open everything,
Pouring out pure love,
Taking up sacred space,
Not counting the cost
Of being seen, being judged,
Of disrupting what's proper,
Of loving too radically.
She knew what we forget:
That love requires risk,
That grace gets messy,
That real presence means
Bringing our whole selves,
Speaking truth through action,
Defying systems that silence,
Even when others stare,
Even when others judge,
Even when others question
Our too-much love.
Help me find such courage:
To let my guarded heart crack open,
To risk being fully known,
To pour out honest, disruptive love,
Until the whole house fills
With grace overflowing,
With holy resistance,
With love's prophetic feast.
Amen.
