A Prayer About Counting The Cost

When I pledge to follow Christ

ETERNAL GOD,

Large crowds followed Jesus, listening to him teach and watching him perform miracles. He had celebrity status. So Jesus spoke to them about counting the cost of following him, including carrying a “cross.” The people knew the full meaning of carrying a cross—it wasn’t a metaphor to them, because they had seen it almost daily. Even so, they didn’t understand the full extent of the persecution they would encounter. Still today, throughout the world, courageous men and women are being tortured and martyred for following the Savior. I face nothing like that, my God, so I can easily pledge my total allegiance to you and the gospel. And often I speak boldly of being your disciple. But talk is cheap, Lord. Help me count the cost and be willing to pay the price. This may include harsh criticism and ridicule, broken relationships, and perhaps even physical persecution. But I want to be your person—at all times, everywhere, no matter what. Please help me.

If you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, “There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!” Luke 14:27-30