Make room for Jesus in ordinary spaces and treat people with difficult reputations with dignity

Wait to welcome Jesus until the setting looks religious enough

Keep your distance from anyone whose life story is messy or stigmatized

Show hospitality mainly to people who can improve your own status

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned and need your mercy. I turn from my sin and from living for myself. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I confess you as Lord and ask you to come into my life and make me yours. Amen.

Come Into My Life

Lord, renew your Church to welcome your Son with humility and compassion. Make us willing to receive him in ordinary places, and make us gentle toward people others overlook or label. Wake up our hearts, our homes, and our witness, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Renew Your Church's Welcome

Father, thank you that Jesus was willing to be present in Bethany and at the home of Simon. Thank you that your Son draws near to real life and does not turn away from ordinary people or hard places, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Thank You for Coming Near

Pray by naming one ordinary place in your day — your table, living room, workplace, or conversation — and ask Jesus to be welcomed there. Then ask God to help you show that same welcome to someone who feels overlooked.

Pray Over an Ordinary Place

Pray for people who feel marked by illness, reputation, or shame; for homes to become places of grace; and for believers to notice and honor those whom others pass by.

For the Overlooked

Bring these before God: a deeper readiness to welcome Jesus into everyday life; a softer heart toward people with difficult labels; courage to offer quiet hospitality; and a desire to make room for grace in your home and habits.

A Welcoming Heart

Τοῦ{TOO###TOO###(the)} δὲ{DE###DEH###Now} Ἰησοῦ{ee-ee-SOO###ee-ee-SOO###Jesus} γενομένου{ye-no-ME-noo###yeh-noh-MEH-noo###was} ἐν{en###ehn###in} Βηθανίᾳ{vee-tha-NEE-a###vee-thah-NEE-ah###Bethany} ἐν{en###ehn###in the} οἰκίᾳ{ee-KEE-a###ee-KEE-ah###house of} Σίμωνος{SEE-mo-nos###SEE-moh-nohs###Simon} τοῦ{TOO###TOO###the} λεπροῦ,{le-PROO###leh-PROO###leper}

Matthew 26:6 — Source TextTAB

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