Tuesday: Struggle
Pray: Begin by making the sign of the cross and calling upon God’s name.
From God to us, from death to life, from me to you …
in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord God, may your Holy Spirit inspire us now, as we turn again to our Bible story. Help us to learn from Martha, Mary and Lazarus, our ancestors in faith. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Listen: Pay close attention as these verses from the Bible are read aloud.
John 12:1-3
Six days before Passover Jesus went back to Bethany, where he had raised Lazarus from death. A meal had been prepared for Jesus. Martha was doing the serving, and Lazarus himself was there. Mary took a very expensive bottle of perfume and poured it on Jesus' feet. She wiped them with her hair, and the sweet smell of the perfume filled the house. (CEV)
Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.
Child: If you were Lazarus, and had been raised from the dead by Jesus, would you live your life any differently afterwards? How might a second chance at life change the way you looked at things?
Child: Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus treated Jesus very well when he visited them. What are some special things our family does to make a guest feel welcome?
Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.
Heavenly Father, sometimes we feel too busy to host people. Yet even Jesus was a guest at times. Help us to remember this, and to treat any visitors who come our way with true hospitality. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.
May you welcome visitors and help them feel at home! Amen.