In a world of constant motion, can you make space to simply be with God? This contemplative session explores the story of Mary and Martha through scripture, prayerful stillness, and Vermeer’s luminous art. Come, sit at Jesus’s feet—and listen for what God might be whispering in the quiet.

Luke 10:38-41

Use this guide for prayer and contemplation. Read slowly, pausing as needed for silence and reflection.

Opening

Welcome to Art and Prayer, a time of contemplative prayer as we connect deeply with God.

Settle into a comfortable posture. Take a slow breath in… and a slow breath out. As you are able, allow a gentle stillness to open you to God’s presence and action within you.

Reflection on Contemplative Prayer

In Contemplative Vision, Juliet Benner reminds us that inner stillness is essential for spiritual attentiveness—but it is the means, not the end.

Contemplative prayer is not a strategy for stress management or a form of relaxation. Because it is prayer, it is relationship: being with God and being drawn closer to God. Stillness helps make space for that encounter, but the goal is not to force yourself to become completely still—an impossible task that can miss the point.

As Cynthia Bourgeault says, contemplative prayer is “to consent to the presence and action of God within us, whatever form it comes.”

As we listen to Scripture, allow images, thoughts, and words to rise gently. Hear the story as if for the first time, and notice what God may be speaking.

Scripture

Luke 10:38–42 [Translation]

While Jesus and his disciples were traveling, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed him as a guest. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his message. By contrast, Martha was preoccupied with getting everything ready for their meal.

So Martha came to him and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to prepare the table all by myself? Tell her to help me.”

The Lord answered, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things. One thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part. It won’t be taken away from her.”

Artwork for Prayerful Reflection

Jesus in the House of Mary and Martha, Johannes Vermeer

Before you consider the painting, pause and form the scene in your imagination. If you were painting this story, what would you focus on? Allow that inner picture to take shape.

As you look more closely, notice how the depiction can feel both rooted in a particular culture and yet open to every time and place. Jesus comes to them in their world—and he does the same for us.

Notice the darkness of the room and how light brings the central figures into sharp focus. The composition draws your attention inward, inviting you to enter and participate in the drama of the scene.

Look at Martha. She carries the practical work and the honest concerns of friendship. Then look at Jesus—his open gesture can feel like an invitation: a gentle call to spend time with him, to join in “the one good thing,” if we will allow it.

Look at Mary. She sits low at Jesus’ feet—near enough that the scene conveys intimacy and belonging. Her posture suggests humility, attentiveness, and a love that makes space simply to be together.

Reflection Questions

What words, images, or thoughts came to you as you listened to Luke 10:38–42?

If you were painting this story, what part of the scene would you focus on?

As you look at Vermeer’s painting, how is this scene different from the one you formed in your imagination?

How does the painting change or enhance your understanding—not only of the story, but of what you began to hear from God?

Put yourself in the picture. Who do you identify with at this moment? Where would you be, and what would you be doing?

What are the preoccupations of your life—the “many things” that worry and bother you and may lead you to avoid stillness before God?

Where are you quiet? Where are you connected? Where are you deeply attentive to what God is doing?

As you look at Jesus in the painting, what is he saying to you? What invitation is he extending to you now?

Closing

God of presence, help us consent to your presence and action within us. When we are worried and distracted by many things, draw us back to the one thing that is necessary: being with you. Teach us a stillness that opens us to encounter, love, and fellowship with Christ.

Claim moments of stillness when you are able, and listen for the words God has for you. Peace be with you.