A Mother's Prayer

            

           We are in Christmas week and I can’t help but think about Mary, the mother of Jesus.  My first thought goes to when she was approached by the angel, and her response to the message, “Be it unto me according to your word.” (From Luke 1:38)  I stand in awe of this reaction.  I wonder if I would have responded in the same way!

           I then think of her holding him in her arms after he was born and the idea that when she kissed him, “she kissed the face of God.”  (I love this line from the song “Mary Did You Know?”)  As he grew, she knew things would change; that he’d come for a purpose; and she’d heard the warnings that pain would pierce her heart.  How would she have prayed about this?

            A mother’s prayer can have a profound effect on her children’s lives, perhaps because of the depth of love she holds for her child.  Mary would have been no exception, yet she knew God already had a plan.

            God has a plan for each of us, as well, and his grace sustains us.  There are accounts of people who have had cancer, a disability, weakened immune systems, substance abuse situations, marital or financial issues, all of which many people encounter, yet sometimes are totally healed.  This comes because people pray with humble hearts for a miracle.  Yet, a mother’s prayer is unique.  It comes from deep within her soul, as all our prayer should, but the connection between mother and child is truly distinctive and matchless.

            As we continue our journey toward Christmas over the following days, I suggest you look at each of your children, or even grandchildren and choose a specific ‘cause’ to pray for over them, with a fervency beyond what is normal.  Think of yourself praying as Mary might have over Jesus, knowing that God is in control, but that he would pour out his blessings on this child, or for healing or anything else specific. 

            I think if we all did this over the people we love, there would be even greater miracles than we witness on those very special occasions when it does happen.  Prayer is a powerful thing.  Yet if we ‘recite’ a prayer out of duty or just in passing, are we really expecting something to happen?  I encourage you to pray with expectation!  It’s the season of miracles.  Perhaps….just perhaps you could witness one during this amazing time of year!

 

            MERRY CHIRSTMAS, EVERYONE! 

photo credit: free nativity pictures