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Martha Prayers


It seemed liked such a good idea, after all she was the "hostess with the mostess." It really wouldn't be so difficult to have that crowd for dinner, besides what a honor to serve the holy Rabbi and his company. Being devoutly Jewish, it was the very least that she could do to impress God Himself. Plus she would have help, her sister Mary would be around to prepare and serve as well. So with open arms, she welcomed all those people to her home.

It seemed to start out quite well, people were comfortably sitting around listening to what Jesus had to say. Martha got right to work, there was so much to do! She wanted everything to turn out perfectly and delicious. She didn't want to disappoint them with her culinary or hospitality skills. Soon she found herself quite caught up and distracted with all that must be done. She looked around for her right hand, Mary. Instead of finding her hard at work, she was resting at the Master's feet! "What is she doing?" an exasperated Martha thought, "Doesn't she see what we need to do with all these people waiting? Why isn't she helping me out? Doesn't she know her place?"

What seemed most odd to Martha was that Jesus didn't seem to notice. He didn't seem to mind that Martha was bogged down with all the work and Mary was idly hanging out. Of course that isn't going to work for Martha, so dutifully she approaches Jesus and tells him what to do. "See here, Lord, don't you care that Mary has left all this serving for me to do alone? Tell her to get up now and help!"

But Martha received an unexpected answer, certainly not the one that she was looking for. The Master seemed to gently rebuke her in a kindly manner, commenting on her worries and expectations about accomplishing so much. No, that is really not what this visit is all about. "Only a few things are truly important, and Mary has chosen the good part that will not be taken from her." (Luke 10:42) Being present in the Presence is what matters . . .

Sometimes I too am just like Martha, especially when I pray. I catch myself telling God to notice, pay attention to what's happening in my life. I question if He really sees or cares about all the trials and the burdens that I bear. I forget that He has already walked every path that I will walk and that He knows just where I'm at. Yet, like Martha, I try to tell him what to do. I'm afraid I even tell him what to have others do as well. Why is it so easy to let these Martha prayers escape?

The answer seems so simple. It lies in sitting at His feet, spending time in solace, reflecting on His word. It's being present in His presence. . .

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