Being Present
God on Monday
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“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10.41-42
Reflection
Life is busy; it can be difficult to be present and enjoy the moment. Often we are so preoccupied trying to make the current task perfect that we become anxious about the pressing task we are yet to begin.
Research indicates that an individual’s perceived level of busyness is connected to their self-worth - the busier I am the more important I must be! In today’s culture, it is not the amount of leisure but of work that is the new status symbol. Although busyness is not always wrong, we need to recognise when it becomes an unhelpful habit, distracting us from what is truly important.
When Jesus goes to the house of Martha and Mary, Martha is preoccupied with the preparations to host such an important guest. She becomes increasingly frustrated that Mary is abandoning those preparations to sit listening to Jesus. Allowing her anxiety to take over, Martha is unable to experience the joy of being present in Jesus’ presence.
We need, like Mary, to deepen our relationship with God by spending time in God’s presence. Listening to God and discerning his purposes needs to become a daily habit. We have an amazing God who loves us and wants to spend time with us and permeate all aspects of our everyday lives.
As you enter this working week, keep God in focus. When you look in your diary and see those lists of meetings and tasks, remember to prioritise spending time in God’s presence and asking for God’s help. Be still and know that God is God.
Response
The busyness of life demands we make an important choice. Jesus says, ‘Mary has chosen what is better’. Ask God to help us choose, like Mary, to spend time in God’s presence. What impact do you think this will have on your working life? Consider joining (or starting) a bible study or prayer group at work
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us every day to still ourselves in your presence in the midst of our busy lives. Speak to us afresh today and fill us with your peace and purpose. Help us to put you at the centre of all we do.
Next Steps
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Look up How to Hear God: A Simple Guide for Normal People, by Pete Grieg.
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If you are interested in setting up a bible study or prayer group at work, Transform Work UK may be able to help you.
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For a striking example of workplace prayer, watch the Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast, held last week in Westminster Hall. Many senior politicians attended, including the Prime Minister. Andy Flannagan led the worship, including ‘We Seek your Kingdom’, the work-related song he launched at the 2021 Faith in Business Retreat.
This Week's Author
Karen Flood, Consultant Vascular Radiologist (Leeds Teaching Hospitals) and Workplace Associate, Christian Medical Fellowship.
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God on Monday is produced in partnership with the Church of England. The reflections are based on the scriptural readings designated for the coming Sunday in the Church's lectionary. You can sign up to Faith in Business here to receive each God on Monday instalment.
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