“The purest form of love is given with no expectation of return. Measured by this standard, earnest prayer for others is a magnificent act of love.”
DAVID Hubbard, THE problem with prayer is…, p. 14
Daily Devotionals: Ascent’s Mission – Loving God, Loving People and Impacting Our World. Each day’s devotional will guide us through a scriptural thought based on the mission God has called us to follow.
We want to encourage you to grab a journal or a notebook – something to write on as you walk through each prayer guide or devotional. Yes, it will add a few minutes to the time it takes to do the devotion, and it will also deepen your experience and shape your walk with God for years to come. This journal or notebook will be a keepsake to remind you of God’s faithfulness during this challenging season for all of us. Each devotion will take less than ten minutes of your time.
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Engage the Word: Loving God
Read Matthew 26:6-13
6 Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. 8 And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? 9 For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” 10 But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. 12 In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. 13 Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”
Connect the Heart
This story is found in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and John – but only John identifies this woman as Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. She is found only three times in the Gospels, and in each instance, we find her at the feet of Jesus. She sat at His feet and listened to His teaching (Luke 10); she came to His feet in deep grieving after the death of her brother Lazarus (John 11); and she worshiped at His feet when she anointed Him with this valuable ointment, no doubt an expensive family heirloom (John 12). Mary was deeply spiritual – and she loved Jesus deeply.
Mary did a beautiful thing.
In looking at the gospels on record, we learn that she anointed both His head and His feet, and wiped His feet with her hair. 1 Corinthians 11:15 tells us that a woman’s hair is her glory – so here, we see that Mary surrendered her own glory and worshiped Jesus with the precious and valuable family heirloom she brought. What an amazing act of love and affection! This expensive gift was so valuable that Judas protested Mary’s act of worship (John 12:6) – likely because, as the keeper of the disciples’ treasury, he wanted to use the valuable proceeds for himself.
A note to modern worshipers: This unbelievable act of worship didn’t involve a song (we sometimes errantly think of worship strictly as singing…) It involved the wholehearted investment of her very life.
Reflect on the Truth
- Mary showed her love for God by pouring out an expensive perfume and washing Jesus’ feet with her hair. How might God know that you love Him? Is there something of value – something that costs you something – that you might offer Him (your time, your talent, your treasure)?
- Mary poured it all out – leaving nothing remaining in the alabaster flask. Are you pouring it all out, or is there something you’re holding back or keeping for yourself?
- Turn your heart now to God, communicate your love for Him in a personal way, and ask Him to help you love Him with your whole heart.
Depend on the Spirit
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see the deeper longings, desires or motives in your heart that these thoughts are pointing to. (For example: you may write down, “Jesus, I want to hold nothing back. I truly want to love you with my whole heart. Please help me – I cannot do this on my own.”) The Lord can help us discern the path forward – through His word, His Spirit, His people.
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For Prayer
Today, pray for Ascent’s Middle School and High School students, as they gather on Wednesday nights for Ascent Student Ministries (ASM) activities. Pray also for Student Pastor Jonathan Martin and his team of adult leaders as they connect with our students and point them to Jesus. Pray that our students will embrace their faith and seek out ways to grow spiritually.
Fasting
Please read the first blog post entitled “Why Fast?” This explains what fasting is and why we follow Jesus in this spiritual discipline as together we seek the heart of God.
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Some parts of our 21 Days devotionals are adapted using various resources on scripture and prayer like The Bible Exposition Commentary, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, The New Bible Commentary, Logos Bible Software and other resources.
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