A Prayer for Stillness, Quiet, and Slowing

The new year tends to immediately begin as a sprint. No matter what efforts we attempt at slowing down, the calendar already seems full just minutes after the clock strikes midnight.

This is especially true for our ministers, leaders, and pastors.

One extremely important way we can slow down and assess our busyness is to sit at the feet of Jesus. This is especially important for our leaders, as a new year presents the temptation to do new things and to out do the accomplishments of the previous year.

Many of us are familiar with the gospel story of Mary and Martha.

Jesus and His disciples come to Martha's home where she lives with her sister Mary and her brother Lazarus. While Jesus is teaching in the living room, Mary finds space on the floor and sits at His feet.

She is quiet. Mary listens intently. She slows down.

When Martha discovers this, she protests that she is working hard in the kitchen to get everything ready, while her sister has left her to do all the work herself.

Jesus' response?

“Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42).

If there is one thing that we learn from this story, it is this: Get out of the kitchen and into the living room. Take some time to sit at Jesus' feet.

“Dear Lord, may our ministers, leaders, and pastors get off on the right foot this year by spending more time at Your feet. We pray against the temptation to constantly be busy. We pray for more moments of solitude with You throughout the year.” 

Join us in praying this prayer for our pastors and leaders this week.