Pray the Scriptures, February 16

Luke 10:25-42

Lord Jesus,

I pray for myself and for ______________________, that by your grace we will all inherit eternal life. Transform us by your Spirit that we may love you with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind. I pray that we will love our neighbor - anyone near us - as we love ourselves. May we do these things and experience the life you promise as a result.

Lord, you taught us that to be a good neighbor is to have mercy on those around us who are in need. Prompt us not to pass by those who are suffering but to take pity on them, to take care of them, and to see that through our own generosity they will be looked after. Stir in us a generosity for those ministries that care for the hurting and bind up their wounds.

And Lord, we realize the danger of becoming distracted by all the ministry that needs to be done and all the preparations that need to be made. We confess that we can easily become overburdened and overwhelmed, begin to feel sorry for ourselves, and become demanding and impatient with others. We can find ourselves being pulled away from what is most important. Please remind us in those times of the example of Mary, and prompt us to imitate her by finding time to sit at your feet and listen to your word.

I pray that you will remind us that, although we can be anxious and troubled about many things, only one thing is necessary. May we choose that one thing, to spend unhurried time in your presence and learn from your word. Please protect us so that our time with you will not be taken away from us by the press of life and circumstances.

I ask these things in your name, amen.