Prayer

DAILY READING

John 12:1-8

Communing with God is one way to understand the act of prayer. The act of communing implies a closeness and intimacy that is experienced on a deep, spiritual level. During worship we are invited to experience this kind of spiritual closeness when we receive the body and blood of Christ through the sacrament of Holy Communion. In this week’s text, Mary’s actions reflect this kind of spiritual intimacy, and although not labeled as prayer, that is what she is doing when she anoints Jesus’ feet and wipes them with her hair. She is communing. She is engaging in a spiritually intimate, wordless act of prayer. She is using her body and her actions to express love and gratitude, and when she engages in this vulnerable act in front of others, she is criticized for it. But Jesus supports her and even expresses gratitude for what she has done. Jesus wants us to commune with him in this way; to be vulnerable and open like Mary so that, through prayer, we can continue to deepen our relationship with him.   

ACTION FOR THE DAY

Find a place and a posture that helps you give your full attention to God. Enter prayer by remembering Mary’s love and gratitude for Jesus as she knelt to anoint his feet. Allow these thoughts to deepen your attention and draw you into a time of simple, wordless communion with God. After a few minutes of silence, observe whatever thoughts God may bring to your mind and close by sharing all that is in your heart with God and giving thanks for the grace received.   

WRITE FOR THE FIELD GUIDE

Are you inspired by the Daily Field Guide devotions each week? You can inspire others in the congregation with your reflections on God’s word by becoming a Field Guide author! Contact Jason Alteri at jalteri@bumc.net to learn more.