Josh Garrels sings, ‘Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus’.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full in His wonderful face

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His Glory and Grace

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 10:38-42

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.’

Let's enter the home of Martha and Mary. The reading could draw our attention to our presence with the Lord, both in prayer and our distractions. For our prayer today, we will focus on the words of Jesus as he speaks to Martha.

'The Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things."'

Think for a moment about the times when you desire or plan to be with the Lord in prayer...which things tend to distract you?

Take a moment to talk with the Lord about these things.

Jesus says, ‘There is only need of one thing.’ Imagine that you turn to look at Mary as she sits at the Lord’s feet, fully focused.

Upon seeing this scene, notice which thoughts or feelings come to mind.

Try to remain in this scene as you listen to the reading again.

Luke 10:38-42

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.’

Jesus tells Martha, ‘Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.’

Think of a time in prayer when you have been able to be fully present to the Lord. What was this like?

As you come to the end of this time of prayer, you might like to offer your prayer life to the Lord, perhaps seeking the ‘better part’ or a deeper desire for him.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen