Yoke me up to Jesus for eternal life were the words that stuck with me this morning as I read Bishop Barron’s reflection. One of my friends had once explained to me the importance and beauty of these words. This saying came from Jesus’ mouth “take my yoke upon you and learn from me (Matthew 11:29-30). In pre-machinery farming days, a pair of draft horses or oxen were yoked together. When a new animal needed to be trained, they would yoke it up to an experienced animal. The older would patiently pull while the other learned. The older one took the brunt of the work during this time: he pulled the load. The yoke became a burden of the older one while during this time the young one learned.
So just what are you asking when you say, “Yoke me up to Jesus?”
Jesus, lead me through my day.
Jesus, let me follow Your lead.
Jesus, let me do Your will.
Jesus, be patient with me while I learn to do it Your way.
Jesus, I will make mistakes, but lead me out of those mistakes.
Jesus, I will want to follow my own path, but guide me away from it if it is not Yours.
Jesus, I am your servant. You are my master.
Jesus, I strive to push back my pride and follow you humbly.
Jesus, I cannot get through this without you next to me.
Yoke me up to Jesus.
Yoke me up to Jesus, oh Lord!
I have been beginning and ending my day with this prayer. Yoke me up to Jesus, Oh Lord! It encompasses everything that I want out of my day. It says it all.
Follow Jesus. Let Him be Your guide.
Yoke me up to Jesus, oh Lord!