Blessed Are You!

Scripture                     Luke 1:26-45
Focus Verse                Luke 1:42, 45
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb … blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”

Before she did anything else or told anyone else, Mary went on a journey (some sources say it took her around 9 days) to see her relative Elizabeth, whom the Angel had told her was pregnant in her “old” age.  Mary needed to see the truth of the miracle of Elizabeth’s pregnancy.  It isn’t unusual to say yes, then wonder what we’ve gotten ourselves into.

The greeting Mary receives does not disappoint, blessed 3 times she was! The word blessing means “having received something of value from someone as a sign of the respect or grace they feel toward you.”  Once again, we see how God must have loved and trusted Mary to have called her to such a bittersweet task … the joy of motherhood but the angst of suffering!  Well, that is the journey of every parent!

Reflection: Who showers you with blessings during difficult times in your life?  Who affirms God’s hand in your life?  How does that strengthen you for your continuing journey?

If music is a pathway for you, here is a lovely little arrangement called, "Blessed are you among Women" by StillSong. 

Prayer: Breathing “The Jesus Prayer”         
Breathing in … Lord Jesus Christ
Breathing out … Have mercy
*pray by breathing this prayer repetitively until the prayer prays you. You’ll know the prayer is praying you when the words come to you at random times in random places.  You will simply feel the words on your lips, in sync with your breathing.  And you have begun the process of praying unceasingly through the power of the Holy Spirit! For more information about praying The Jesus Prayer, an ancient prayer form from the days of early Christian History, practiced by the Desert Mothers and Fathers, take this LINK ...