As we begin the new year, Converge churches and missionaries from around the globe will embark on 21 Days of Prayer. Join us on this prayer journey by reading the daily entries on Converge’s blog, or by downloading your free 21 Days of Impactful Prayer: Moving Forward guide. In addition, you can share daily posts from our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds. Thank you for joining us as we open 2021 in prayer together.
Day 1: Busy, But Distracted
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed — or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:38-42.)
Reflections
In his book The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis thoroughly describes distraction and a hectic lifestyle, saying they are tools of demonic forces, used to weaken the Christian’s devotion to God. Is it possible we can get so busy doing ministry that we forget about our first love, Jesus? In the Luke passage, we see Martha busy scurrying around trying to serve all the guests while Mary sits at the feet of Jesus. Martha even takes time to share her frustration concerning Mary to Jesus, to which Jesus gives a simple but pointed reply: “Martha, you are worried about details. There is only one worth being concerned about, and Mary has discovered it.”
Challenge
Our church planters need us to be people who sit at the feet of Jesus. They need us to draw near, to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and pray accordingly for them. The prayers of the saints are indispensable in the work these church planters are doing. Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon was once asked about the secret of his great success. He simply said, “My people pray for me.” This is often an overlooked aspect of church planting. It is easy for us to get so distracted with the pace of life, doing ministry, etc., that we neglect taking time with our first love.
Take time to pray for the church planter(s) in your city and region of the country. If there are no church planters in your direct vicinity, pray God will raise up one to come and start a new work.
Prayer
My Father, thank you for the call you have placed on our lives. We consider it a great privilege to be gifted and commissioned into your service in so many different ways. I pray for those specifically called to start new churches in my city/region. I ask that you give them strength and allow them to see your hand working in their lives. Open doors for the gospel to go forward. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
