Praying Together 2021

131 Gather Light a candle as a sign of God’s presence and sit quietly. Ring a bell or chime to start the prayer. The love of God be with you! And with your spirit. COLLECT Saint Martha, sister of Mary and Lazarus of Bethany, is remembered for her hospitality. Let us pray that we will be warm and welcoming to others. (pause) Open our hearts, O God, to those in need and make our homes places of welcome. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 10:38-42 The Lord and his disciples were travelling along and came to a village. When they got there, a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat down in front of the Lord and was listening to what he said. Martha was worried about all that had to be done. Finally, she went to Jesus and said, "Lord, doesn't it bother you that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me!" The Lord answered, "Martha, Martha! You are worried and upset about so many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her." The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. RESPONSE Have you ever had someone important over for dinner? It takes a lot of work to prepare the dinner and get the house ready. In today’s story, Martha was working hard to make the dinner for Jesus, while Mary chose to spend time with Jesus. Although Martha was doing her best, Jesus said that it was better to sit and listen to him, rather than being busy with chores. Here is a retelling of the gospel by Crossroad Kids’ Club calle d “God’s Story: Mary and Martha”. DISMISSAL May Christ the Lord walk beside us. Amen. May God bless us in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Ring the bell or chime to signal the end of the prayer. Extinguish the candle. Thursday St Martha 29 July 2021 “Mary has chosen what is best.”