30th. August. 2021. Daily Devotion.
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’
41 ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’ Luke 10:38-41
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 to be Reformed
Lord God, I have tried in vain to reform myself, and I have failed. Only you can truly change my heart; and I pray that you will do it, by the power of your Holy Spirit.
Make me your instrument, Holy God. Replace every prideful thought with a psalm, every angry instinct with a prayer of love and forgiveness. Let the sight of me radiate your glory, not mine; let every word that comes from my mouth be music from your harp and every thought in my mind the dove of your Spirit. Inhabit me, infuse me, reform me, that I may live only in Christ, and He in me. Amen.
Prayer for Enthusiasm
Holy God, I have spent many hours trying to do Your will, but sometimes I do not feel the excitement and freshness I once felt in my prayers, in my charitable work, in my giving, in my Bible study—in all the ways I try to serve and please you in my life. Let me not become weary in doing Your work. I pray for Your Holy Spirit to grant me a sense of enthusiasm, lest I be led astray and into sin by boredom and unconcern. “Thy will be done” in all things and in every way. Amen.
A Prayer for the People of Afghanistan
Lord, we lift up the people of Afghanistan. We pray that you will take hold of them and help them walk through this fearful time. Protect them under your wing and help them feel the comfort and peace that only comes from your powerful presence.
So many people who have called this place their home have been displaced because of this event. Remind them, Lord, that their true home is in Heaven with you. Give those who believe in you the courage to stand strong in their faith and be a strong witness for you. Also, be with those who do not believe in you – help them to see the peace in your followers and allow the Holy Spirit to stir in their hearts as they witness this. Amen. Crosswalk.