Monday March 11, 2024

Today is Monday, March 11 and we are reading through the second chapter of the Gospel of John.

Holy and loving God, I come here to listen for your voice speaking to me from the sacred words of the Holy Bible. Remind me of the truth of your Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. As I read from the Gospel of John, let me hear the message you have for me today. Amen.

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” John 2:1-5

Cana was an insignificant village of little consequence in the region of Galilee. Weddings were huge celebrations in ancient times lasting for several days and even up to a week. It was a major event hosted by the bridegroom and involved the housing and feeding of relatives and friends, some from out of town. Running out of wine was an enormous social faux pas and an embarrassment to the family. Mary seems to have found herself in a catering role here and perhaps related to the hosting family. She sees the dilemma and wants to respond to the problem, so appeals to her son who she knows has the power to make positive change.

Mary’s appeal for help is more a statement of fact. “They have no more wine.” Mary sets us the example of intercessory prayer. She presents a model of trusting in Jesus to respond to a need for a family member or loved one. In my day to day life, I am invited to do the same. Whether the needs I see are large or small, significant or insignificant, grand or trivial, I can go to Christ and seek his help. I can have confidence in his power and his concern for me and others. Whatever the need, I can lay it before Jesus and trust that he will respond according to his will, not my own.

Mary follows her request with expectant obedience. She gathers the servants in anticipation. “Do whatever he tells you.” It is the same when I lift a prayer request to God for myself or another person. I should be ready to leap into action. God may likely enlist me in the provision and I must be ready and paying attention to how I might cooperate with him and aid another person.

Ask: What needs do I see around me and who should I lift up in prayer today? How might I be ready if Jesus wants me to participate in helping in this circumstance?

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord Jesus, I lift prayers of faith this morning seeking your intervention and help. I am grateful that you hear my concerns and care about my needs and the needs I see in the lives of those around me. Help me to trust you more and more and be ready and willing to obey your directions. Amen.