“Mary, sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to him; but Martha was distracted as she cooked for him. Martha grew irritated with both Mary and Jesus. ‘Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair Mary just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.’ Jesus responded, ‘My dear Martha, you’re worried and upset over all these details! But only one thing really matters. Mary chose it and will never lose it.’” (Paraphrase of Lk.10:38-42)
“With the same delight, and to the same degree that Abba loves me, I (Jesus) love you. Abide, linger, marinate, live in my love.” (Jn.15:9)
Dear Lord Jesus, we’ve prayed it before, we do so again. Grant us a Mary heart in a Martha world. Amid countless good things, multiple trifles, and manifold illusions—you are the “one thing” that really matters in all of life.
Only you are worthy of everything we have and are, Jesus. Our deepest longings find their fulfillment in you. Our greatest brokenness finds its healing through you. Our lingering fears find their release by you.
We belong to you, and you desire and delight in us—not by the merit of our efforts or the measure of our goodness; not because we strove, wept, or repented enough. For “enough-ness” is only found in you. You are our “righteousness, holiness, and redemption” (1Cor.1:30).
What now do you want for us, and from us? To remain, abide, marinate, linger, and live in your love. For as we do, every aspect of our lives is transformed. Our obedience becomes an act of worship. Our repenting becomes a joy—as daily as breathing. Our “to do list” becomes a “to love list.” Indeed, Jesus, you aren’t calling us to do anything for you, but to do everything with you. Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.