Slow Down, Show Up & Pray. Wellbeing the Jesus Way. 5 Day Bible Plan With Ruth RiceSample

Day 3: Be More Mary

One of the things that caused me to burn out as a Christian leader was overwork, and the church stuff was part of that. I had no boundaries and felt that was a Christ-like thing, laying down my life, going the extra mile. This chapter in Luke’s gospel was really key for me. Here we see the friends of Jesus on a discipleship 101 course. They are sent out in twos with nothing in their hands to preach and heal and change the world. And they come back full of it. Then he tells them the story of the Good Samaritan and you can hear them adding social action to the list of things they need to do to be good followers. There is nothing wrong with any of that. But just as they thought they had grasped all the work they had to do Jesus throws a curve ball. He takes them to Mary and Martha’s house. Read about it in chapter 10 verses 38-42. Here is one sister serving, working hard, irritated at the other sister sitting at Jesus’ feet and doing nothing. 

Jesus' words would be shocking to those success-driven followers. “One thing is necessary”. He praises the sister who sits at his feet in love, not the one rushing around serving. What sort of team training is this? What sort of a way is this to get the world changed by telling your followers to stop, to be, not just to do? But here they spot the secret to life with wellbeing. 

One thing. Being in his presence. In the very next chapter as the penny drops, they ask Jesus “teach us to pray.” Not teach us to raise the dead or do the bread and fish thing. Lord teach us to pray. Prayer is key. It is the one thing. His presence the key to wellbeing. It was then. It is now. I am still learning. Are you?    

Reflect: Imagine yourself walking through Luke chapter 10 with the disciples. How do you react to his words about “One thing”? Are you more Mary or more Martha at the moment? As you ask him to teach you to pray, take a look at the Lord’s prayer as a pattern. 

Prayer: Our Father in Heaven honoured be your name: begin to thank him for who he is

Your kingdom come; your will be done on earth as it is in heaven: Ask for touches of heaven here on earth. Name the places.

Give us this day your daily bread: Thank him for provision, ask for what you need, what others need. 

Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us: Pause, confess sin, be forgiven, forgive others.

Lead us not into temptation, deliver us from evil: Ask for his leading, his delivering, pray for those facing persecution and difficulty. 

Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever and ever: Place yourself in his safe hands.

Amen