18th. December. 2020. Daily Devotion.

Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” ~ Luke 10:41-42

This passage has rankled task-oriented people for 2,000 years. Martha was busy in the kitchen, making dinner for Jesus and his disciples. While she worked frantically, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet. Martha complained about her sister’s laziness and got rebuked for it. And all the busy people in the world said, “then who was supposed to make dinner?”

Dinner wasn’t the point of course. They would eat in due time, loaves and fishes if need be. Jesus had already demonstrated the ability to feed himself and his followers when the need arose. Jesus was unburdened by the “practical,” but we are obsessed with it.

Jesus knew Martha’s heart and cut to the core of it. Her issue wasn’t merely being busy in the kitchen on this particular day. “Martha, Martha…you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.” Like Martha, I am often worried and upset about many things. My perception of the significant and eternal is overwhelmed by my perceived need to satisfy my own practical needs. Like Martha, I need to be reminded that only one thing is needed.

The mind fills with “buts” and “what ifs,” but I need to remember that Mary chose what was better, and that was to sit at Jesus’ feet

Lord, in this busy holiday season with so many worldly tasks, let me always remember to take time to sit at your feet. Amen. ~ Stephen Peterson

Prayer for Family and Friends

Blessed are you, loving Father, for all your gifts to me and those close to me. Blessed are you, for giving me family and friends to be with me in times of joy and sorrow, to help me in days of need, and to rejoice with me in moments of celebration.

Father, I praise you for your son Jesus, who knew the happiness of family and friends, and in the love of your Holy Spirit. Blessed are you for ever and ever. Amen.

Advent Prayer

God of hope, who brought love into this world, be the love that dwells between us.
God of hope, who brought peace into this world, be the peace that dwells between us.
God of hope, who brought joy into this world, be the joy that dwells between us.
God of hope, the rock we stand upon, be the centre, the focus of our lives always, and particularly this Advent time.

As we deal with the practicalities of protecting people from coronavirus, we continue to remember Our Calling to care for the other whilst always being mindful that is that our call is always to respond to the good news in Jesus. We are a people of hope we need to declare and model good news in these difficult times.

An intercessory prayer

You call us to speak to you in prayer– even when the places we would usually go to are not available. Help us to know you Spirit’s presence wherever we pray.
Today we especially pray for those who are living in fear – give them your strength.
For those who have not yet realised the urgency of the situation – protect them, and all of us from harm.
Today I especially want to pray for …….
In the name of Jesus.  Amen