Prayer to Saints Martha Mary and Lazarus: Essential, Practical Guide

prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus

The prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus is a time-honoured Christian devotion that looks to the “friends of the Lord” in Bethany for help with everyday needs, deeper trust in Christ, and renewed hope in times of anxiety or grief. Rooted in the Gospels, this prayer brings together the virtues of service (Martha), contemplation (Mary), and faith in the face of loss (Lazarus), offering a balanced way to grow closer to Jesus in ordinary life.

People turn to the prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus for many reasons: to foster peace at home, to navigate work and family responsibilities, to draw strength in bereavement, or to seek a more prayerful heart. Whether you pray alone, with a spouse, or as a household, the Bethany family can become a gentle guide, helping you welcome Christ into your routine and respond to him with love.

Who are Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus?

Martha, Mary and Lazarus were siblings who lived in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem. The Gospels present them as personal friends of Jesus. In Luke 10:38–42, Martha receives Jesus with bustling hospitality, while Mary sits at his feet to listen. In John 11, Lazarus falls ill and dies; Jesus arrives, weeps with the family, and then raises Lazarus from the tomb—an astonishing sign pointing to his identity as “the resurrection and the life.” In John 12, Martha again serves a meal, Mary anoints Jesus with costly perfume, and Lazarus, alive again, sits at table with the Lord.

The Church celebrates these three together because each reveals something essential about Christian life. Martha shows wholehearted service; Mary models attentive prayer; Lazarus embodies hope in Christ beyond death. In 2021, the memorial was re-focused to honour them collectively, underscoring their shared witness as a household of faith and friendship with Jesus.

Why the prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus matters today

Modern life is often divided between doing and being, action and contemplation, productivity and presence. The prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus gently integrates these dimensions. It encourages us to work well and love well, to put people before tasks, and to remember that listening to Christ is the wellspring of meaningful service.

This devotion is also a comfort in times of sorrow. Many turn to the prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus when they carry grief, fear illness, support a loved one, or feel buried under burdens. In the story of Bethany, Jesus meets a family in the rawness of loss, weeps with them, and restores hope. Praying with the Bethany household helps us bring our real lives—kitchen sinks and hospital wards, busy commutes and quiet tears—into God’s healing presence.

Core themes in the prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus

Martha: hospitality, diligence and balance

Martha reminds us that practical love matters. Cooking, cleaning, organising, earning, and caring are all holy when offered to God. In your prayer, ask Martha to help you serve without resentment and to make room for a few treasured minutes at Jesus’ feet each day. The heart of the prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus is not to suppress action, but to order it towards love.

Mary: contemplation, listening and devotion

Mary’s gift is quiet receptivity—listening before speaking, receiving before giving. Through the prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus, invite Mary to teach you how to hear God in Scripture, in silence, and in the people around you. Her gesture of anointing foreshadows the Cross; ask for a courageous heart that loves Jesus “without counting the cost.”

Lazarus: friendship with Christ, grief and hope

Lazarus shows us that Jesus is not indifferent to our suffering. He enters our mourning, shares our tears, and brings life where we thought there was only ending. When you make the prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus, present the names of those who are ill, afraid, or far from faith. Pray for the grace to trust that Christ is near, even when answers seem delayed.

How to pray the prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus

There is no single “right” way to pray this devotion. Choose the approach that suits your life and season. Below is a simple, step-by-step pattern to help you start or deepen the prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus.

1. Begin with a moment of quiet. Breathe slowly, become aware of God’s gentle presence, and make the Sign of the Cross if this is your custom.
2. Read a short Scripture verse. Suitable passages are listed later in this guide. Allow a word or phrase to stand out.
3. State your intention. Be specific but trusting: “Lord, I bring you this situation at work… our family tension… this grief we carry…”
4. Ask the Bethany saints to pray with you. A simple line—“Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus, pray for us”—can anchor your focus.
5. Use a short set prayer (see below), or speak to God in your own words. Hold a minute of silence at the end.
6. Conclude with gratitude. Name one grace from the prayer time and carry it into your day.

A simple daily prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus

You can pray this on its own, or as the heart of a novena. It keeps the focus of the prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus while leaving space for your personal needs.

“Lord Jesus, friend of the Bethany household, you welcomed Martha’s service, received Mary’s devotion, and restored Lazarus to life. Through the prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus, teach me to listen before I act, to serve with a peaceful heart, and to hope when I am weary. Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus, companions of the Lord, stand with me and with those I love today. Bring our needs to Jesus, that we may trust his timing and rejoice in his mercy. Amen.”

A nine-day novena using the prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus

A novena is nine consecutive days of focused prayer. Here is a simple pattern that keeps each day brief but intentional. You may light a candle, place an icon or image of the Bethany family, and repeat the short daily prayer above. The novena centres on the prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus with a different virtue each day.

1. Day 1 – Welcome: Ask for a welcoming heart at home and work; the grace to notice those who feel unseen.
2. Day 2 – Listening: Seek the habit of reading Scripture daily, even for five minutes, with Mary’s attentiveness.
3. Day 3 – Service: Offer tasks and duties for love of God; ask Martha’s help to serve without complaint.
4. Day 4 – Trust in delay: Pray for patience when answers seem slow, remembering Jesus’ timing at Bethany.
5. Day 5 – Compassion: Present the sick, bereaved, and isolated; ask to share Christ’s tender heart.
6. Day 6 – Courage: Pray for boldness to witness to faith with humility, like Lazarus drawing others to Jesus.
7. Day 7 – Generosity: Offer your time, talents, and resources, as Mary poured out her costly perfume.
8. Day 8 – Peace: Ask for harmony in your household and workplace; the grace to forgive and begin again.
9. Day 9 – Resurrection hope: Entrust your future to Christ; pray for the dead and for steadfast hope.

Scriptures to accompany the prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus

Praying with Scripture anchors our devotions in God’s word. Consider these passages alongside the prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus:

• Luke 10:38–42 – Jesus visits Martha and Mary; the balance of listening and serving.
• John 11:1–44 – The illness, death and raising of Lazarus; Jesus weeps and proclaims, “I am the resurrection.”
• John 12:1–8 – Mary anoints Jesus; love that does not count the cost.
• Psalm 23 – The Lord as shepherd through every valley.
• Romans 12:9–13 – Sincere love, hospitality, and perseverance in prayer.

If you prefer to read online, you can find these passages in many translations, for example via John 11 on Bible Gateway (NRSVUE).

Praying in the wider Christian tradition

Across Christian traditions, the Bethany family is cherished for their closeness to Christ. Roman Catholics, Anglicans, and Orthodox believers all honour Martha, Mary and Lazarus in their liturgical calendars and devotional life. In 2021, the Catholic Church designated 29 July as the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus, emphasising their shared witness; you can read the official note here: Vatican decree establishing the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus.

While practices differ, the heart is the same: asking holy men and women to pray with and for us as fellow members of Christ’s body. If you’re curious about how this looks in Eastern traditions, see this accessible overview of the veneration of saints in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Devotions like the prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus complement, rather than replace, turning directly to Jesus.

Practical tips for using the prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus at home

• Fix a regular time: Mornings often work well for intention-setting; evenings suit examen and gratitude.
• Create a small prayer corner: A candle, Bible, and a simple image of the Bethany family can help focus.
• Keep it brief on busy days: Even a one-minute prayer said with faith is fruitful.
• Pray with others: A weekly family prayer can weave the themes of Bethany into your relationships.
• Link to action: After praying, choose one concrete act of kindness or hospitality for the day.

Common mistakes and thoughtful corrections

• Trying to “earn” outcomes: Prayer is relationship, not transaction. The prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus invites trust in God’s timing rather than guaranteed results.
• Neglecting Scripture: The Bethany stories are the devotion’s foundation. Read even a few lines to ground your prayer.
• All action, no silence: Take Mary’s posture for a minute or two before asking for help.
• All silence, no action: Let Martha inspire a small, loving deed that flows from your prayer.
• Forgetting gratitude: End with thanks to God for any light received, however small.

Examples of intentions for the prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus

• Home and family: Peaceful communication, harmony among siblings, wisdom for parents and carers.
• Work and study: Steadiness under pressure, integrity, and the right balance between duty and rest.
• Illness and grief: Comfort for the sick, courage for caregivers, hope for the bereaved.
• Spiritual growth: A listening heart, perseverance in prayer, freedom from discouragement.
• Community and hospitality: Sensitivity to the lonely, generosity to strangers, welcome at church.

Recommended external resources

• Official Vatican decree on the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus (29 July) – background on the liturgical celebration.
• Wikipedia: Saint Martha, Mary of Bethany, and Lazarus of Bethany – concise overviews and references for further reading.
• Gospel passages about the Bethany family (Bible Gateway, NRSVUE) – read the core texts free online.

Related articles

• Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel – a complementary devotion for spiritual protection.
• Veneration of saints in the Eastern Orthodox Church – how saints support Christian life across traditions.

Frequently asked questions about prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus

Is the prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus only for Catholics?

No. While it is well known in Catholic circles, Christians from many traditions appreciate this devotion because it is rooted in Scripture. Anyone who honours biblical saints and seeks their example and intercession can pray it with sincerity.

When is the best time to say the prayer?

Anytime that fits your rhythm. Many people choose morning to set intentions for the day or evening to give thanks and review. If you are praying a novena, aim for the same time daily to build a gentle habit.

What intentions are appropriate for this prayer?

Common intentions include peace in the home, diligence at work, the grace to listen before acting, courage in grief, and renewed hope for the sick or discouraged. The prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus is especially helpful for household concerns and times of waiting.

Can I adapt or write my own version of the prayer?

Yes. Devotional prayer is meant to help, not to burden. Feel free to use the sample text here as a starting point, and put it in your own words. You might add personal names or specific situations you are facing.

How long should I spend each day?

Even one or two minutes is valuable. On some days you may linger longer with Scripture. The goal is consistency and sincerity rather than length; the heart of the prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus is simple trust.

What if I miss a day in the novena?

Do not worry. Carry on the next day or add a day at the end. God is patient, and the Bethany family teaches us to welcome Jesus without perfectionism.

How does this devotion relate to praying directly to God?

It complements it. Christians ask saints to pray with them, much as we ask friends on earth to pray for us. The prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus ultimately leads us closer to Jesus, who is our Saviour and Lord.

Conclusion on prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus

The Bethany household offers a beautifully rounded path for everyday holiness. Through the prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus, we learn to welcome Christ in our kitchens and commutes, to sit at his feet in quiet trust, and to hope in him even at the tomb. Martha steadies our service, Mary deepens our listening, and Lazarus anchors our faith in the Lord who brings life from loss.

Whether you pray a simple daily invocation or a fuller novena, let Scripture lead and love define your actions. With the prayer to saints martha mary and lazarus, you can weave hospitality, contemplation and hope into the fabric of your life. May their prayers draw you nearer to Jesus—their friend and ours—today and always.