Martha often gets a bad rap in the story of her sister Mary listening to Jesus instead of helping with cooking and serving.
But James Banks says in his book The Lost Art of Praying Together that both Marys and Marthas are needed in any prayer group.
"Prayer is work," he says, "and no one knew that better than Jesus."
In Luke 10:38-42, Martha complains: "Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to you, that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me."
Then, Jesus replies with words that exasperate many believers: "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset about all these details. There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her."
Clearly, the point Jesus was making was that Mary was listening to the Messiah who would not be around much longer. What Jesus had to say was of eternal significance.
But many Christians take this to mean that Martha was somehow less a believer than Mary.
Not so, says James Banks. We need both kinds of people in prayer gatherings - people who want to get things done and those who want to adore the Lord in prayer.
"Prayer and work are never meant to be separated," says Banks.
Rather than dismiss Marthas, prayer leaders need to help them see that "praying together is one of the most effective things we can do because it sets God's power in motion against the obstacles we face."
He illustrates his point by the story of Bruce, an elder in his church who had not prayed aloud. Eventually, Bruce prayed aloud in a meeting of elders and "it took my breath away".
"His prayer was brief, but so obviously from the heart, I immediately sensed God's spirit at work."
In Banks' mind, that's the key to praying together. "Prayer that matters to God is honest and from the heart."
Banks recommends "conversational prayer" - short prayers spoken directly to Jesus as if he were sitting right beside us.
His point reminds me, once again, that the body of Christ is made up of all kinds of people - each with different abilities and gifts and personalities.
It's vital to get everyone involved in the business of prayer because prayer changes things.
But James Banks says in his book The Lost Art of Praying Together that both Marys and Marthas are needed in any prayer group.
"Prayer is work," he says, "and no one knew that better than Jesus."
In Luke 10:38-42, Martha complains: "Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to you, that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me."
Then, Jesus replies with words that exasperate many believers: "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset about all these details. There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her."
Clearly, the point Jesus was making was that Mary was listening to the Messiah who would not be around much longer. What Jesus had to say was of eternal significance.
But many Christians take this to mean that Martha was somehow less a believer than Mary.
Not so, says James Banks. We need both kinds of people in prayer gatherings - people who want to get things done and those who want to adore the Lord in prayer.
"Prayer and work are never meant to be separated," says Banks.
Rather than dismiss Marthas, prayer leaders need to help them see that "praying together is one of the most effective things we can do because it sets God's power in motion against the obstacles we face."
He illustrates his point by the story of Bruce, an elder in his church who had not prayed aloud. Eventually, Bruce prayed aloud in a meeting of elders and "it took my breath away".
"His prayer was brief, but so obviously from the heart, I immediately sensed God's spirit at work."
In Banks' mind, that's the key to praying together. "Prayer that matters to God is honest and from the heart."
Banks recommends "conversational prayer" - short prayers spoken directly to Jesus as if he were sitting right beside us.
His point reminds me, once again, that the body of Christ is made up of all kinds of people - each with different abilities and gifts and personalities.
It's vital to get everyone involved in the business of prayer because prayer changes things.
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