Lent 41

Lord and God,

You anoint whom you will and pass over whom you will. You chose Saul, and though his appearance was attractive to some, others rejected even the king you set over them, for it was not enough for us even to reject you yourself from being our king. And though your Spirit would leave him and take away his anointing, you worked salvation through him.

Your Spirit came and rests forever upon Jesus Christ. A Samaritan woman recognized Israel’s Messiah, her anointed, better than your own people. Teach us to see not as man sees, judging by outward appearance, but to follow a higher law, your law of love. Put false ways and turning hearts far from us. Graciously teach us to follow your anointed, the Lord Jesus Christ. Help us to be found in him whose food is to do your will, who lives not by bread but by your word. He knows us; let us know him.