Not long ago, I spent 2 weeks teaching at a Christian college overseas. While traveling, I wrote out a prayer list that I determined to use every day. I was greatly enriched by keeping this commitment to pray, and I returned home confident that I would continue the practice.

I didn't! Soon I was so busy with church, family, and work that I prayed only in bits and snatches. I had lapsed into one of the most common snares of all —choosing the good and rejecting the best.

Then I read the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42. I saw that I was like Martha, "distracted with much serving" (v.40) and neglecting Christ. I needed to say no to some of the good things I was doing and make room for the best. I needed to be thanking, praising, and worshiping God, and interceding for my family and friends.

But even times of prayer can degenerate into legalism, just another item on a "spiritual" to-do list. Prayer can be a distraction if it becomes an obligation instead of a privilege and an essential part of our relationship with God.

Jesus praised Mary because she had "chosen that good part" (v.42). What about your priorities? Are you neglecting God because you're too busy serving Him?  — David C. Egner