Presence
Invitation to connect with Jesus
As you settle in to spend time with God today, try to find a quiet space where you won't be interrupted. Silence your phone. Grab your journal and a pen. Sit comfortably with your hands open in a posture that allows you to receive from the Lord.
Take a few slow, deep breaths:
- Breathe in: God's peace
- Breathe out: Any distractions
Opening Prayer: "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening. Open my eyes to see, my ears to hear, and my heart to receive what You want to say to me today."
Today's Scripture Reading
Read today's passage slowly a few times and listen with your heart.
While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor." Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.
Matthew 26:6-13 (NIV)
After reading, pause for a moment and then ask: What word or phrase catches my attention?
Meditation
Read the passage again, slowly, focusing on your word or phrase.
It can be hard to know the right thing to do at the right time. The woman in this passage knew how to choose the right thing because she made adoring Jesus her priority. She set aside other works, good works, for the sake of cherishing time in the presence of Jesus. She poured out her adoration, literally, and we are all encouraged to remember and follow her example.
Take a moment to reflect on these questions.
- Where have you made serving Jesus more important than being with Jesus?
- Imagine you are sitting with Jesus like you would a good friend. What does He want to say to you?
Conversation with God (Prayer)
Read through the passage one more time, allowing the Scripture to lead you to respond to God in prayer. Open your heart and be honest with Him about what you are experiencing. Talk to Him about what comes to mind, and how He might be inviting you to respond.
While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor." Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.
Matthew 26:6-13 (NIV)
Are you feeling led toward a prayer of praise? Repentance? A plea for help or healing?
Contemplation
Rest in the awareness of God's presence, remaining open to anything else the Holy Spirit might stir in your heart. If your mind wanders, gently redirect your thoughts toward God. Simply be still. Enjoy a moment of fellowship with God that goes deeper than words.
Rest. Breathe. Be.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank you for reminding me that You desire to spend time with me. I adore You! Help me in my busyness and distraction to choose Your presence over my desire to simply do. I want to act out of Your abundant presence and not just to keep my hands busy. Show me how easy and loving Your company is.