My prayer journey has gone through many changes over the past 30 years. Probably one of the most significant has been in my Intercessory Prayer Style that seeks intimacy with Jesus, as well as, seeks to make myself available to intercede for Him as His heart desires. The changes to my “Intercessory Prayer Style” could be compared to the position of intimacy (or, lack thereof) that we see happening with Mary or Martha in Luke 10:38-42 when they invited Jesus into their home for a meal and a time of hospitality.
(38) Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. (39) She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. (40) But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” (41) But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; (42) but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Martha’s attitude of intimacy was that of doing and being busy for the Lord; but all her activity kept her presence – and her heart – at a distance from Jesus. Mary’s attitude of intimacy was to sit at Jesus’ feet listening! Over the years, the Lord has been helping me make a change from a “Martha style” of personal prayer to a “Mary style”. For awhile, I even discontinued the use of devotionals, as well, because they became a “substitute” for my own personal prayer rather than something that “primed the pump” for my own prayer.
What is your style of personal prayer? Are you like Martha or Mary in approaching your time with Jesus? Please add your comment below ~