Mary has chosen the better thing, and it will never be taken away

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR THIS WEEK

But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. Only one thing is important. Mary has chosen the better thing, and it will never be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 (NCV)

A Prayer for the Week:
Lord Jesus, teach us to look to you for everything we need. Amen. (Luke 10:41-42)

Mealtime Prayer:
God, bless the food that here we see. God bless you, and God bless me. Amen.

A Blessing to Give:
Child of God, may Jesus calm all your worries. May God give you a faith that is steady and firm. Amen.

CARING
CONVERSATION
Discuss in your household or small group:
• How are the members of your family (or group) alike in personality?
How are you different?
• When Jesus visited Mary’s house, Martha was busy working, while Mary
sat listening to Jesus. Jesus said that Mary had chosen what was better.
What do you think he meant?
• When do you set aside time to listen to Jesus?

DEVOTIONS
Jesus said to Martha, “You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed” (Luke 10:41). In your home devotion times this week, share any worries that are on your mind. Pray about these concerns, asking God to care for you and give you peace. Recite these words together from Philippians 4:6-7. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.”

SERVICE
Two of Sunday’s readings illustrate excellent hospitality. Abraham and Sarah treated their guests like royalty (Genesis 18:1-8). Mary welcomed Jesus with her undivided attention (Luke 10:38-39). Make plans to show hospitality to someone in your home. Think of someone outside of your usual circle of relatives and friends to invite to your home.

RITUALS AND TRADITIONS
Even when we are busy, we need to take time to listen to Jesus, as Mary did. If you’re not in the family practice of taking a few moments each day to hear God speak to you, then try to do so this week. Decide on a time each day when all family members will be available – perhaps before or after breakfast or at dinner time. Try this simple format: (a) share about the events of the day; (b) read a short passage of Scripture or a Bible story; (c) talk about the meaning of the story or passage for your lives at the moment; (d) reflect quietly on what you have heard and conclude with prayer.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS
These readings are related to the Lectionary readings for this Sunday.
We invite you to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passages.
Sunday Luke 10:38-42 Only one thing needed
Monday Ecclesiastes 2:17-26 Wisdom about work
Tuesday Isaiah 55:1-6 Listen and eat what is good
Wednesday 2 Peter 1:3-11 Everything we need has been given
Thursday Matthew 6:25-33 Do not worry
Friday Philippians 4:6-9 Do not be anxious
Saturday Psalm 127 Unless the Lord builds the house
Sunday Luke 11:1-13 Jesus teaches about prayer