When David looked up at the starry heavens, he marveled:
What is man that thou art mindful of him?
Mary quoted that psalm, echoing David’s amazement in her Magnificat.
My soul magnifies the Lord,
for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant.
Her Magnificat also seems much inspired by Hannah’s prayer.
Hannah was taunted by her husband’s second wife, Peninnah, whom he married because Hannah was barren.
Hannah went to the temple to pour out her heart to God,
and she was so fervent the priest thought she was drunk.
Before she knew if God was going to answer her prayer for a child,
she went away and her face was no longer sad.
Hannah, David, and Mary all knew the character of God,
and you can see it in their prayers.
We can learn from them a lot about effectual prayer.
Let me tell you a story.
My daughter Annie told me she was going through a dry time and wanted a good book on prayer. I got both of us a book that had been highly recommended to me so that we could talk about it together over this Thanksgiving.
Two of my big take-a-ways have to do with approach and method.
1. Approach
Miller kept emphasizing that we approach God as “Abba,” as a Father who delights to bless His children, and trust Him, the way a weaned child leans against his mother’s breast. In other words, we pray knowing He wants to give, and we trust, knowing He will give us what is best. Hannah did this, praying specifically, knowing the heart of God, and she left changed before she knew if He would give what she asked for, for she was trusting, like a weaned child against her mother. The child is no longer crying frantically for the breast, for he has been weaned, and at peace. If God doesn’t give our request, because we know His character, we can trust.
2. Method
Miller gets cards and on each card writes down 3-5 requests for a particular person. When that request is answered, he crosses it off. I’ve heard this method before, and even tried it and failed. But this time I seem to be doing better — perhaps it was all the illustrations Miller gave, or perhaps it was doing it together with my daughter Annie. I bought a pack of plain index cards for Annie and I to do this together, and she said, “Well, I was thinking the cards should be nicer.” She wanted to make some, but time was running out, so we ended up going to Hobby Lobby and getting an assorted pack of cards with designs on one side and blank on the other. We chose designs that we thought fit the individual, and then together wrote down specific requests for them. The special designs make it harder for me to lose them amidst all my papers. I’m glad Annie urged me to get nicer cards!
I have been praying though each of them daily. As you know, I have a control idol, and it grows back, especially when I have a child in trouble. But I have learned that prayer is more effective than trying to fix that child (or that child’s spouse) with advice. I cannot tell you details, but there is something I have so wanted to have happen for this child in trouble. So, I simply listed it on that prayer card and kept bringing it before the Lord. Just this week, that prayer was answered. My heart melted as I thought, “My soul magnifies the Lord, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant.”
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Last week our own Bev from Broken Bow wrote something that will be our “God Hunt” all week.
I love the Christmas Season and how Jesus shines through in spite of the World and all the trappings. He just simply cannot be hidden or shut out. If you have a watchful eye at all It seems to me that Jesus shows up in unassuming and humble places. Just like His first coming.
2. Was there a way Jesus “showed up” for you last week in His quiet way?
Monday: Hannah’s Life
3. Read 1 Samuel 1:1-8
A. What is Hannah’s situation?
B. Who closed Hannah’s womb? Why, do you think?
C. Do any verses become radioactive? If so, why?
4. Read 1 Samuel 1:9-20
A. Describe what happened between Hannah and Eli.
B. What do you think the phrase “and the Lord remembered her” means?
5. Read 1 Samuel 1:21-28 and share anything that becomes radioactive.
I melt whenever I read verse 27. I have been overwhelmed when each of my children were given to me, whether biological or adopted. Steve and I prayed so specifically for Sally — and like Miller says in his book, we’re afraid to be specific because “we don’t want to risk our prayer not being answered.” But oh, the amazement when a specific prayer is answered! We were young, trusting, and extravagant when we prayed for a girl with a heart for God, with talents she could use for Him, and I prayed she’d look like my husband, not knowing how much that would mean when we lost him. I always remember Steve’s cry when Sally was born: “God gave us a girl, and she looks just like me!” The doctor and the nurses laughed, but indeed, Sally is a clone of her father physically. I also have incredible answers to prayer with both of our adoptions. One time Annie said to me, “Why am I so much like you and Dad?” I know it is because God hand-picked her for us. I marvel at how mindful God is not only in giving us the biological children that we need or need us, but in placing the solitary in families. Even with children that may cause us grief, I know He is sovereign. I always remember Joseph’s comment concerning his five adopted children, one of whom is always in and out of jail: “God gave us exactly the children we needed or that needed us.”
Tuesday: Hannah’s Prayer
6. Read 1 Samuel 2:1-10
A. What do you think was in Hannah’s mind when she prays as she does in verses 1-5?
B. Brennan Manning called the gospel the “ragamuffin gospel.” How do you see Hannah saying the same in verses 6-10?
7. Was there a way God showed up for you in His quiet way in the last 2 days?
Wednesday-Thursday: Mary’s Magnificat
Prepare your heart with this:
8. How do you think Elizabeth’s prophetic prayer impacted Mary’s Magnificat?
9. Read Luke 1:46-55
A. What similarities do you see between Hannah’s prayer and Mary’s Magnificat?
B. What does Luke 1:50 mean to you?
This is a quote from Psalm 103, the psalm Steve and I memorized and often prayed in bed when he was sick. How he prayed Psalm 103:17 for his children and his children’s children, whom he would not see on earth, but who are the beneficiaries of their father and grandfather’s prayers. Here I am last Christmas with 8 of the 10 who were born after Steve’s death. The youngest is Steven, named after the grandfather who prayed so for him.
10. Mary obviously knew Scripture and incorporated it into her prayers. Why is this wise? Do you do this? If not, could you?
11. What stands out to you from the Magnificat and why?
12. John Stonestreet, whom I respect, says he has been troubled by the carol “Mary, Did You Know?” I found that interesting as I have liked that carol, but on pondering the Magnificat, I see some wisdom in his claim that Mary knew a whole lot more that we might think.) Would love thoughts!
13. Was there a way God showed up for you in His quiet way in the last two days?
Friday: Optional Keller Sermon: (Not free but excellent — on Hannah’s Prayer)
14. If you listened to the above, share your notes and comments.
Saturday:
15. What’s your take-a-way and why?
147 comments
6. Read 1 Samuel 2:1-10
A. What do you think was in Hannah’s mind when she prays as she does in verses 1-5?
She was so thankful that the Lord looked with favor on her, finally, she was overcome with joy. She probably felt truly loved.
B. Brennan Manning called the gospel the “ragamuffin gospel.” How do you see Hannah saying the same in verses 6-10?
She is talking about people who are physically messy and no good. She laments how the Lord can make them clean and better people.
7. Was there a way God showed up for you in His quiet way in the last 2 days?
It’s been another rough week; He is good to me. We may have our daughter coming home; definitely a ragmuffin if there ever was one. We wait.
8. How do you think Elizabeth’s prophetic prayer impacted Mary’s Magnificat?
Mary probably “piggy backed” off of Elizabeth’s prayer. Elizabeth was praying blessings to Mary, thanking God, and Mary prays blessings and honor to God for her being chosen and how her life will change according to His will. She also acknowledges blessings on mankind for faith in God and is thankful to Him for His mercy on those who come to Him.
9. Read Luke 1:46-55
A. What similarities do you see between Hannah’s prayer and Mary’s Magnificat?
They both admit they are servants of God. They both are humble.
B. What does Luke 1:50 mean to you?
He will be merciful to not only me and my family now, but also for generations to come. Hmmmm, it’s a legacy He left us. We only need to teach our children (hopefully it will stick with at least one kid), who in turn will teach their children, and so on. Unfortunately, what I see happening is more and more of our children and societal traditions are being lost due to the secular ideas and “inclusiveness.” For example, just this morning, my husband has the news on and colleges and universities are suggesting having (normally) Christmas parties be called non-denominational get togethers and should be about celebrating more general ideas instead of one singular event (Christmas). Are you kidding me?? Christians are SO being attacked now. I suspect this will get worse. However, my mom passed her legacy and love of Christ to me, and I am trying very hard to show my children and now grandchildren the same. We shall see, or maybe not?
Laura, I thought about you and your struggles with your daughter in answering the question about Luke 1:50. She is your next generation and her children the next that you love and are raising. Your comment that she may be coming home didn’t surprise me since it is Christmas time. Perhaps that is the draw because Christmas often is steeped in memories (good or bad) from childhood. In your daughter’s case probably good and perhaps there is longing in her heart for something to replace the emptiness of her choices. We will keep praying calling on God’s mercy for her.
You have had such a time with your daughter — you have been faithful to her. God has been merciful to her, and we pray she responds to that mercy. He calls us to be faithful not successful, and you have been faithful, and we pray pray pray God will woo her and she will respond! My heart goes out to you Laura.
Thanks again for the dances on facebook!
8. How do you think Elizabeth’s prophetic prayer impacted Mary’s Magnificat?
I think it would have impacted her greatly. Their relationship was deep and meaningful even before these amazing turn of events in their lives.
It says Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she cried out with a loud voice in praise. With the Holy Spirit present and inspiring what was said the dynamics would have been powerful and emotional. The things Elizabeth said to Mary would have been full of affirmation. God’s perfect timing to Mary’s need.
9. Read Luke 1:46-55
A. What similarities do you see between Hannah’s prayer and Mary’s Magnificat?
Both praise and magnify God and declare the work He has done in giving place to ones that were from lowly and humble circumstances and to lift them up and give them honor.
Hannah prays, “In the Lord, my horn is lifted high,” indicating the strength that will come from her having a child. Mary says “He has shown strength with his arm;”. Horn in the Bible is a word associated with strength. At the end of her prayer Hannah says “…….The Lord will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.” This is a prophecy of Jesus the (king-Messiah / anointed-Christ).
Zechariah in his prayer refers to the “horn of salvation” which is a reference to Jesus Christ, the powerful deliverer and king who was soon to be born.
B. What does Luke 1:50 mean to you?
Luke 1:50
And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
This verse is full of promise. Oh how I need mercy in my sinful flesh but if I “fear” Him then this is a promise that comes down from generation to generation and goes on and on to the future generations. To “fear” God is to have reverence and awe for Him.
I see this as an eternal promise and I find great security in His faithfulness to His Word and to me personally. It also encourages me in regard to my own prodigy and future generations. There is always hope because of Jesus and his mercy.
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10. Mary obviously knew Scripture and incorporated it into her prayers. Why is this wise? Do you do this? If not, could you?
Scripture is the steel rebar of the structure Jesus is building in my life. Without it, my focus turns to my feelings or millions of other non-Jesus things.
“You will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the Word of Life.” Phil 2:15
11. What stands out to you from the Magnificat and why?
“He has filled the hungry with good things”
I can struggle with expecting judgment and condemnation from God. This simple sentence reminds me of His goodness. Coming to Him with everything, even with my rotten thoughts about Him, has been a recent development in the last few years for me. I’ve been blessed in this journey, but I still find myself stumbling at that first step. I love to be reminded of God’s goodness and grace!
12. John Stonestreet, whom I respect, says he has been troubled by the carol “Mary, Did You Know?” I found that interesting as I have liked that carol, but on pondering the Magnificat, I see some wisdom in his claim that Mary knew a whole lot more that we might think.) Would love thoughts!
This made me laugh! I totally agree! I feel that song is a lot like the movie clip we saw earlier—dramatic, Western, emotional, fake. But I know many people dearly love “Mary, Did You Know,” so it has a place. I guess I just want to say “Of course she did!”
13. Was there a way God showed up for you in His quiet way in the last two days?
I’m in the middle of taking final exams for the end of my 1st year of law school and find myself swimming in anxiety. Yesterday, God reminded me that He knows everything and is not at all intimidated by any exam—and He loves me. He brought me peace and I’m going to walk forward in His strength. My life verse: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Ps 73:26.
You made me smile on “Of course she did!”
I have wondered if she had the same view as the disciples, that the Messiah would rescue them from political enemies — or if she understood why He went to the cross.
Karen, that is a great life verse!
10. Praying Scripture. Wise to speak back God’s truth, and helps make it more real to me. We know it is true, and that it was provided to us as a pattern. Sometimes an example to follow, sometimes to model prayer, sometimes something to avoid. Do I pray Scripture? I have intentionally done it, but even when I don’t, it often ends up in there by phrases or quotes.
11. What stands out in Mary’s song? My soul praises the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior… Recently I was talking with someone about Scripture and she said, “when you see Him as He is in the whole picture of what He is doing and has done, the natural response is pure praise”. And this is obviously true for Mary in these verses. She is seeing a portion of her part in God’s grand plan, and she does what she can’t help but do. And my soul is lifted up with hers as I read the words and contemplate the whole story.
2. Was there a way Jesus “showed up” for you last week in His quiet way?
A way God showed up in His quiet way today: a friend forwarded an article comparing Christmas to D-Day, showing that Christmas was the day of the beginning of the end of the war between God and evil. So true. And I really needed the reminder today. It is so easy to be overwhelmed and discouraged at Christmas. We live in the “not yet” of Christ’s final victory and that is sometimes messy and disappointing. However, Christmas was the first assault on the beaches and we rejoice in his first coming and eagerly await and, indeed, long for his second coming.
Here is the link if you are interested in reading the article: https://paulawiseman.com/2017/12/d-day-christmas/
That’s great, Diane!
Diane I know there are alot of hard family things going on and my prayer for you is that even in the sadness of that you can have the JOY if that makes any sense. Praying the enemy will not steal that joy in your waiting:) We serve a mountain moving God!
Thanks, Liz. I appreciate your prayers.
6. Read 1 Samuel 2:1-10
A. What do you think was in Hannah’s mind when she prays as she does in verses 1-5?
A sense of rejoicing for the Lord has heard her prayers. Also perhaps some vindication?
B. Brennan Manning called the gospel the “ragamuffin gospel.” How do you see Hannah saying the same in verses 6-10?
That the Lord lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the ash heap. The gospel is for all including the ones that we think are more likely to be unrecognized. It not about strength or wealth or significance but faithfulness to the faithful God.
7. Was there a way God showed up for you in His quiet way in the last 2 days?
Today, Monday, my students were so chatty an inattentive, I was ready to explode. They were almost uncontrollable. MY natural self was about ready to bang on the table and give them a scolding! Then I remember what I have been praying for-wisdom and patience and more patience! So, at my desk, I bowed my head and said, Lord, I need you; I just can’t take this anymore. Help me! And in a heartbeat, and almost like He pushed me off my chair and had me standing up before I knew it! I went over to each group working and engaged them in conversation and slowly, order came back. Thank you, Lord.
Bing–love your answer to 7. Such a great example of surrendering to Him and His supply of strength and peace.
Lizzy, thanks for the encouragement. It seems to get harder as the semester wraps up. And I know I am not alone in this struggle. This blog is such a refreshment to my soul!
10. Mary obviously knew Scripture and incorporated it into her prayers. Why is this wise? Do you do this? If not, could you?
Praying Scriptures is praying the very words of God and He will be faithful to it.
Moms In Prayer taught me the practice of praying Scriptures for my daughter.
11. What stands out to you from the Magnificat and why?
“…for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.” Mary is just like one of us and we can be like Mary in her act of surrender. I need to live the life God intends for me to live with such an attitude like Mary’s.
12. Was there a way God showed up for you in His quiet way in the last two days?
A former student stopped by in my classroom and thanked me for what I have taught her in preparation for nursing school. What made this special is she was one of the last students I would think would stop by and she came at a time when I was really down about being a teacher. She stayed for about 15 minutes talking about the classes she was taking and how she is finally coming to terms with the death of her beloved brother a year ago. It is as if God was telling me that all is well and He is still in control. He just wanted to stop by and give me a kiss!
10. Mary obviously knew Scripture and incorporated it into her prayers. Why is this wise? Do you do this? If not, could you?
It is wise because she was honoring God. She knew His Word. I do this sometimes; when I think of it 😔. I will be reading and suddenly I think, “I would like that (whatever the verses say) too Lord, if it please You.” I think it is good practice and takes us away from the “laundry list” style of praying.
11. What stands out to you from the Magnificat and why?
How humble Mary is, and how much she really loved the Lord.
9. Read Luke 1:46-55
What similarities do you see between Hannah’s prayer and Mary’s Magnificat?
they both exult the Lord
they both speak of God noticing and raising up the humble and lowly
they both speak of and rejoice in salvation
both speak of his strength and the way that he deals with the proud
they both look to the hungry and poor being filled and the rich being humbled
B. What does Luke 1:50 mean to you?
I checked out the verse in the Message, then in the Amplified Bible, the Amplified has a reference to Psalm 103:17
The Message
His mercy flows in wave after wave
on those who are in awe before him.
The Amplified Bible
50 And His mercy (His compassion and kindness toward the miserable and afflicted) is on those who fear Him with godly reverence, from generation to generation and age to age.
Psalm 103:17
But the mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord are from everlasting to everlasting upon those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, and His righteousness is to children’s children
What this means to me is that I have hope, in spite of my failures, suffering and my sometimes bad theology because of who God is, his wave after wave mercy is what is true. I can hope too for my wayward children, when I despair about their lack of right relationship to God I am forgetting how much God pursues and desires to show mercy.
Thanks for including this question Dee, I feel weepy yet bolstered for having contemplated this.
7. Was there a way God showed up for you in His quiet way in the last 2 days?
Last night my husband drove home in bad weather after working a 14 hour day to an email about a meeting at church about the building project currently underway. His first inclination was to stay home. But after eating dinner he went. I am so grateful for the difference God has made in him. He was a very selfish human before coming to Christ. The ‘if any man be in Christ he is a new creation’ is regularly on display in my husband, which causes my soul magnify the Lord, he has done great things for us.
Sweet!
Chris, this is such a sweet reflection on how God has changed your husband.
Chris, “to have hope…his wave after wave mercy is what is true… have hope for my wayward children (mine, too)…God pursues and desires to show mercy.” Thank you.
And also the story about your husband. Wow!
10. Mary obviously knew Scripture and incorporated it into her prayers. Why is this wise? Do you do this? If not, could you?
Praying God’s Word is a good way to pray because it is based in truth and can set the tone for right thinking as I pray incorporating God’s thoughts and taking hold of His promises. This is something I am familiar with but this was a good reminder to be more intentional in using scripture in my praying.
11. What stands out to you from the Magnificat and why?
It is so full of praise and promises. Mary doesn’t ask for anything. So much of my praying is asking. The Magnificat is a good reminder to make praise the priority of my prayers before bringing my requests to God
12. John Stonestreet, whom I respect, says he has been troubled by the carol “Mary, Did You Know?” I found that interesting as I have liked that carol, but on pondering the Magnificat, I see some wisdom in his claim that Mary knew a whole lot more that we might think.) Would love thoughts!
I would agree with Stonestreet. Oral tradition was strong in Jewish culture and their lives weren’t hampered by the modern day trappings like ours. Mary’s life growing up would have been immersed in the teaching and practice of the Old Testament. Every temple ritual and all the Jewish holidays would have been observed in her life as a Jewish girl. She would have understood clearly the significance of God’s plan to send her people a Messiah. She would have in her teen years a much greater level of responsibility and maturity in her knowledge than the average American teen of today.
13. Was there a way God showed up for you in His quiet way in the last two days?
Earlier this week I was shopping and I drove through a fast food restaurant for a quick lunch. The line was long and busy. The lady who took my order and my money was gracious and friendly which was a surprise. As she finished my transaction she said “Have a blessed day!” That is an unusual greeting in today’s public world. I had the sense she was reflecting Christ and it was a bright spot in a busy on the go day during the crazy Christmas Season.
Prayer request! Dear sisters please pray for today thro Sun as I go to Boston with my husband, for our daughter’s MBA graduation. Our 2 boys will be meeting us there also. Last time there was a lot of tension. Please pray for God’s Peace & blessing & that I will be still in my soul, & surrendered to His will & conscious of His Presence. No room for the enemy! Thank you dear ones. I’ve been doing the study but no time to post yet. Love to u all & have a blessed weekend 🙂
Jenny
Praying in agreement with you that the Lord will flood you with His presence and His peace and blessing. That you can keep your eyes on Him and to be still in the midst of the busyness. Enjoy your family time and a big congratulations to your daughter. So close you will be to NH where Laura and I live:) Safe travels.
Jenny, Praying that you will have travel safety in the midst of stormy weather and God’s peace in the midst of tension (and even that there won’t be any tension)!
Jenny, Praying this morning for you and bringing your request to our precious Father.
Psalm 103:13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
3. Read 1 Samuel 1:1-8
A. What is Hannah’s situation?
Childless, taunts from second wife who has many children, deliberately irritated her because of her infertility; yet she was very loved by her husband who longed for her to be content with just his love.
B. Who closed Hannah’s womb? Why, do you think?
The Lord had closed her womb. What did God want to teach her? He had something more important to teach her. Perhaps that being loved and listened to by God was more important than children or even than a loving husband; that people couldn’t fulfill her deepest needs.
C. Do any verses become radioactive? If so, why?
“And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?” 1 Samuel 1: 8
Hannah’s husband grieved at her sadness. He loved for her to be content, but couldn’t do anything about it. This is also God’s plea to us when we are sad and distraught: “Am I not more to you than _______?” He wants to be our “more to you than”. He wants us to recognize that He truly is all we need.
For me personally, I feel a “lack” every Christmas. I want everything to be just right but I feel the lack in myself, my world and in my relationships. I feel “not enough”; that others are “not enough”; and even that what God has given me is “not enough”. While I, my relationships, and my world are very imperfect, God IS “enough”; but, sadly, my eyes are blind or at least only partly seeing God’s all-sufficiency. The knowledge is in my head but not fully in my heart. The coin needs to fully drop.
This is the verse that God has given me for this season. I will try to repeat it several times every day, as I work, as I shop, and I interact, as I become tired. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
I love how that verse became radioactive for you and Rebecca. Rebecca saw Jesus behind Elkanah.
12. God showed up this morning for me. I was struggling not to eat extra. I pulled out my list of verses for this very type of occasion and read Lev 25:9-10. At first glance it doesn’t seem to pertain at all. But God spoke to me through it that I am free to not comply with my sinful lusts and desires. I could hear Michael Card singing…debts forgiven, slaves set free, Jesus is our Jubilee….in Him is my freedom from food this morning! Praising Jesus for being an ever present help.
Love this Mary! I too struggle in this area. I’m so happy you succeeded this morning!
12. Mary did you know?
I think the person you reference is taking the song way too literal; of course Mary knew it was important, but could she really know to what extent? Nothing had ever happened like that up to that point. How could she know?
It is a mystery how much she knew — more probably than the disciples — but yes, how could she know it all?
Besides, it makes its’ point as a song by making US think about the infinite becoming finite for us. For me, it opens another door to wonder at Him and adore Him.
Good point Mary! I agree.
12. John Stonestreet, whom I respect, says he has been troubled by the carol “Mary, Did You Know?” I found that interesting as I have liked that carol, but on pondering the Magnificat, I see some wisdom in his claim that Mary knew a whole lot more that we might think.) Would love thoughts!
So..after re-reading Luke 1:46-55 I do see it. I hadn’t thought about that song and whether she truly knew. I agree it is a mystery what she truly knew, but Here is what I see:
1. From the song: Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation? In her magnificat it seems pretty clear that she knew her baby boy will be Lord of all creation. V 51-55. 🙂
2. From the song: Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations? The angel Gabriel told her this: “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”(Luke 1:26-38)
3. From the song: Did you know that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb? This sleeping child you’re holding is the great I am?
I think she knew, for the Angel Gabriel told her: The Holy Spirit will come on you and the power of the most high will overshadow you, and the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Yet I also think His Spirit gave her deeper insight about Jesus as we see in her Magnificat. She knew Jesus was of His Holy Spirit and of God so maybe she was the first to know of the Trinity?
4. From the song: And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God? I think she knew.
Rebecca, I really appreciate your observations. They are rooted in scripture. I agree with your point about Mary having the Holy Spirit giving her deeper insight. We read several times that Mary pondered in her heart things and events concerning Jesus. I feel there is a lesson for me here in her example to be more quiet and ponder the the scripture and listen for the Holy Spirit’s insights so that I may know Him better.
After a week of many good take aways I especially have been blessed by Psalm 103. The last couple of days I took time in prayer to meditate on it and have been blessed and encouraged by it.
Thank you all so much for your prayers for this weekend; it gives me strength to know others are praying with me. Really tring not to get entangled & keep my eyes on Jesus, & just enjoy my family.
My takeaway has been the prayers of Hannah, Elizabeth & Mary. How surrendered & trusting they were in the midst of difficult but joyful circumstances. May I be the same oh Lord…forgive & help my unbelief. We are blessed when we believe that the word of the Lord will be fulfilled for us. 🙂
10. Mary obviously knew Scripture and incorporated it into her prayers. Why is this wise? Do you do this? If not, could you?
I do do this, but I could be a lot more intentional about it. I need to think even more about whether or not my prayers and thought life align with what is true.
I think it is wise because we are changed and convicted as we behold Christ in scripture, we are encouraged as we feel the spirit speak to us, reading and seeing the assurance and grace that is ours. Praying scripture, not taken out of context, rightly orients our hearts.
I was thinking about how David and other OT saints so often prayed that God would forgive them and answer their petitions because of who God says that He is.
11. What stands out to you from the Magnificat and why?
This time what stood out to me was “in remembrance of his mercy”
The theme of God’s mercy and this from Psalm 103 are still steeping in me:
“8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
14 For he knows our frame;
he remembers that we are dust.”
One thing that stood out to me is that I should not compare myself to Mary though I pray I will have her humble, surrendered spirit. God has specially chosen her to be the mother of His Son and like Elizabeth I am privileged to “know” her although just in Scripture now.
Mary’s story reminded me that we all have our story grafted into the story of Jesus and in some sense, specially chosen for such a time as ours.
Thinking of Francesca Batistille’s song, “Be born in me”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsXOP7aQeqQ Thank you, Mary.