Prayer Tip: Simon, Do You See This Woman?
Daily Scripture
Luke 7:36-39 and Luke 8:1-3 (CEB)
One of the Pharisees invited Jesus to eat with him. After he entered the Pharisee’s home, he took his place at the table. Meanwhile, a woman from the city, a sinner, discovered that Jesus was dining in the Pharisee’s house. She brought perfumed oil in a vase made of alabaster. Standing behind him at his feet and crying, she began to wet his feet with her tears. She wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and poured the oil on them. When the Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw what was happening, he said to himself, If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. He would know that she is a sinner.
Jesus traveled through the cities and villages, preaching and proclaiming the good news of God’s kingdom. The Twelve were with him, along with some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses. Among them were Mary Magdalene (from whom seven demons had been thrown out), Joanna (the wife of Herod’s servant Chuza), Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.
Prayer Tip
by Chris Holliday, Resurrection West Connection & Care Pastor and Adult Discipleship Director
When I was in college, I got a call from the pastor of my hometown church. He was going on vacation and asked me to preach the Sunday he was away. Now I’d preached one sermon in my life and that was on Youth Sunday in high school. I’m sure it was awful; but we did get out about 15 minutes early. People really liked that part.
Anyway, I agreed to fill in and the anticipated Sunday arrived. I have no idea what I talked about, but I’m sure it was just as awesome as the first time. After the service, I was greeting people as they left. Mrs. Phelps, an older, southern lady who’d been part of that church for a long time and known me all my life, came through. She asked me what I was up to. I said I was majoring in music education and planned to be a high school band director, maybe a college percussion instructor. She paused for a second, looked me straight in the eyes and said, “Don’t ya think you’re missin’ your callin’?”
That was a pivotal moment in my life. Her words stayed with me. Eventually, I answered that call and became a pastor.
Women have long played important roles in my life-–from Mrs. Phelps to my grandmothers, mom, wife, daughters, granddaughters and more. I value them greatly and can’t imagine my life without even one of them.
As you pray today, I invite you to remember and give thanks for the special women in your life and the specific ways in which they’ve helped you become who you are. May God bless them and may God bless you. Amen.
Lenten Guide for Children and Families
Click Here to download this weeks Lenten Guide.
The Lenten Guide is a tool to encourage families to spend time together in prayer, conversations, and discovery. Make time on Sunday afternoons or an evening at the dinner table each week as we approach the hope of Easter. Consider using the following tips/guidelines as you share this time:
- Commit to being in worship together as a family during Lent.
- Read the Scripture aloud (and invite your child to read if they are old enough to do so)
- Take turns leading the prayer time
- Be curious and listen for God through one another!
Music
Click Here or the image below to watch COR Worship Collective’s new song “Affection of Your Heart”
