Prayer Root Ministries -> Praying through Scripture -> The Gospel of Mark -> Mark 15
Scripture (ESV)
And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.
Prayer Root: Word to Prayer
Heavenly Father,
I find myself both wanting—and not wanting—to be like Joseph of Arimathea. I admire his courage, yet I see the cost it demanded.
Lord, I pray that You give me the courage to stand for You openly and faithfully—not only in my heart, but in my words, my actions, and my public witness. Joseph was a respected member of the council, yet there is no record of him speaking out against the inhuman treatment You endured. Teach me not to remain silent when truth demands courage. Give me the strength and wisdom to stand firm for my faith, even when it is uncomfortable or costly.
May nothing—neither position nor reputation, neither people nor fear, neither embarrassment nor loss—stand between my declaration of faith and the spreading of Your gospel. Break every hesitation that keeps me hidden. Let my allegiance to You be bold, visible, and unwavering.
Lord, also give me the love of Joseph—the love that moved him to step forward when others stepped back. The love that went boldly to ask for Your body. The love that offered a personal tomb, wrapped You in linen, and honored You when hope seemed buried. Teach me to love You with such devotion.
May I give You everything I have—my heart, my soul, my mind, and my strength. Let my worship hold nothing back. May my life praise You with trumpet and lute, with harp and tambourine, with dance and strings and pipe, with resounding cymbals and loud clashing cymbals. Let every breath I breathe proclaim Your glory.
Receive my surrender, my worship, and my courage, Lord. I am Yours.
Rooted in prayer, rejoicing in Christ.