In what ways can we create a space to "sit at the Lord's feet"? The Scene in Bethany “She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message” (Luke 10:39). While Martha hurried, Mary quietly drew close, making room—physically and spiritually—for undivided attention to Jesus. What “Sitting at His Feet” Means • Position of submission and teachability (Acts 22:3) • Hearing His word without distraction (Luke 10:39) • Choosing intimacy above activity (Luke 10:42) • Receiving truth that transforms (John 8:31-32; Hebrews 4:12) Preparing a Physical Place • Pick a consistent spot—chair by a window, corner of a room, walk in nature • Keep a readable Bible, notebook, pen, and perhaps a hymnbook nearby • Remove digital noise—silence the phone, shut the laptop • Light change: soft lamp or morning sun fosters calm focus Ordering Our Time • Schedule it first; “In the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up… and prayed” (Mark 1:35) • Guard the slot as earnestly as any appointment • Use bite-sized moments through the day—commute, lunch break, evening wind-down • Practice weekly Sabbath rhythms, freeing larger blocks for unhurried meditation Posture of Heart • Humility: “Speak, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10) • Expectancy: trust the Spirit to illuminate (John 16:13) • Repentance: clear conscience opens ears (Psalm 66:18) • Worship: mingle reading with praise songs or silent adoration (Psalm 95:6) Using Scripture Actively • Read aloud; hearing reinforces focus (Revelation 1:3) • Meditate—chew slowly on a phrase (Psalm 1:2; Joshua 1:8) • Journal insights, prayers, and action steps • Memorize key verses; recite during chores or exercise • Cross-reference related passages, letting Scripture interpret Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Building a Rhythm of Silence • Begin with a brief prayer for openness, then sit in quiet for 2-5 minutes • Let thoughts settle; repeat a verse like “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) • Resist the urge to fill every gap with words; give room for His whisper (1 Kings 19:12) Engaging the Senses • Sing or play a simple worship chorus • Sketch or color a verse for visual focus • Walk outdoors, noticing creation proclaiming His glory (Psalm 19:1) Guarding Against Distractions • Identify Martha-type urgencies that can wait • Say no to non-essentials that crowd the calendar • Fast periodically from media to recalibrate appetites Living Out What We Hear “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28). Acting on revealed truth cements the habit; obedience turns the quiet place into a launchpad for fruitful service. By carving out deliberate place, time, posture, and practices, we follow Mary’s example—choosing “the good portion” that will not be taken away (Luke 10:42). |
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