Welcome to daily prayer. This week we have walked through sections from Mark 3 that reveal the new people that Jesus is forming and what it means to be part of God’s family. In today’s passage, Jesus redefines belonging. He shows that it is not determined by blood or tradition but by alignment with Christ and his kingdom. It is about doing the will of God.

As we begin, let’s set aside any distractions and quiet our hearts and minds before the Lord.

Father, I draw near to you as one that you love.

Thank you for welcoming me into your family.

Thank you for your grace.

Jesus, you are the center of my life. You define me.

Today, I choose to look to you-- your love, your family, your mission. I belong to you.

O Lord, open my lips and my mouth will declare your praise.

A Scripture Reading from Mark 3:31–35:

31 And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. 32 And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” 33 And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” 34 And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”

Reflection:

In this surprising scene, Jesus challenges and redefines the understanding of family. His biological family is outside of the house trying to pull him away and others are on the inside wanting to hear his words. His family was on the outside seeking him but there were others on the inside that are receiving him. Jesus said, “If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority” (John 7:17). This is what defines the insider and those on the outside.

Jesus teaches that true belonging is not about family heritage, ethnic background, social ties, or anything else, it is about trusting Christ and aligning with God’s will. Everyone who receives and welcomes Jesus and his words belongs to the family of God. Receiving and obeying Jesus is doing the will of the Father. Everything about the family of God is defined and centered around the Son of God.

A Prayer of Adoration:

Father, you sent Jesus to call and gather us together. I praise you that we can know with confidence that you have welcomed us in. Your Spirit testifies that we are your children. We have been brought into the fellowship of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Father, anyone who does your will is welcome. I praise you that you call sinners to follow you and join the family. I’m not disqualified because I’m from the wrong family or I have the wrong past. If I will receive your provision, I will be forgiven and welcomed. We praise you for adopting us as sons and daughters. You make us brothers and sisters. Jesus, you are our Lord but you have embraced us as your family and for that, I adore you.

A Prayer of Confession:

Father, this passage shows that what matters is doing your will. I acknowledge that I often have other measures that I use to decide whether I belong or whether someone else belongs. Forgive me.

Forgive me for adding or subtracting from what you say. I repent of any bitterness, judgment or hardness of heart.

Forgive me for leaning on my own understanding. Lord, I surrender and release any care, desire, or loyalty that is higher than you in my heart. I want to be good soil for your Word to take root and bear fruit.

A Declaration of Trust:

Lord, I trust that you have brought me into your family. By grace, I belong.

I have been born again into your family through the living and enduring Word of God. I trust that you have given me a seat at your table. No one who humbly draws close to you for forgiveness and acceptance will be turned away. Today, I rest in your provision, your acceptance, and your leadership. You are the Lord and I will follow you.

A Prayer of Intercession and Petition:

Father, teach us to live as your people, bearing one another’s burdens, encouraging one another in faith, and reflecting your love in this world.

Holy Spirit, give us power to do the will of God. Give us eyes to see those who are alone and give us vision to speak your word of welcome.

Lord, if there is anyway that pride or fear is hinder us, Lord, free us. Lord, where relationships among your people are broken, bring healing for the honor of your name.

We especially pray for those who are being baptized this Sunday. They are making it public that they have received your welcome into the family. Lord, let them be about kingdom business. O Lord, that they would crave the pure spiritual milk of your Word. That they would delight to do your will and trust in you. Lord, protect them and strengthen them Lord.

A Moment of Reflection:

Lord, is there any place where I am withholding myself from your will, your family, or your mission?

As we listen to the passage again, lets listen for a word or phrase that the Holy Spirit may want to say to you from todays verses.

31 And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. 32 And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers[c] are outside, seeking you.” 33 And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” 34 And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”

And now our verse to remember together:

Mark 3:35

“For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”

We want to do your will Lord.

Let’s pray the Lord’s Prayer Together as we close:

Our Father who art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come

Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread and

Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us

And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever

amen