The Lord Has Done Great Things!

(Praying through Mary’s Song – Luke 1)

Has the Lord done great things for you? We seem to have just one season that causes us to pause and be mindful of thankfulness. What if we slowed down at least once a day, every day, and thanked God for blessing us? Even when things may not be going well, or we are experiencing dark times in our lives…He is always there beside us – waiting and watching. Waiting for us to seek Him in the midst of our trials or our blessings. Watching – sending His Spirit to comfort, give wisdom and guide us.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is an excellent biblical example of gratefulness. She was facing an intense season of unknowing what was truly unfolding in her life following the angelic visitation. Put yourself in her place in the moments and months following, imagining what this could have been like for her. Just understanding her pregnancy by the power of the Holy Spirit, and processing the fact that she was going to give birth to the Son of God who would be the Savior of the world, was confusing enough. On top of that, she had to consider Joseph’s response and the scrutiny of those in her village. What could she potentially be facing in terms of her reputation and her upcoming marriage?

And yet, Mary chose to trust God! She believed His words to be complete truth and that He would work out all of the details to accomplish His plans and purposes through her. Mary’s response to the angel: “May it be done to me according to your word.” Is it any wonder that God chose this humble servant through whom to accomplish His redemption of the world?

Here are three prayers from Mary’s song in Luke 1 to help us focus on the goodness of our God during the Christmas season – or anytime! Consider giving thanks each day for one of these amazing truths from the Word!

1. My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant” (vs. 47-48).

Prayer: Father, I am so grateful that You see me in the midst of my daily life. I trust You to walk with me through the good, the dark, the difficult and the amazing! My faith grows as You pay attention to every detail in my life! May humility mark my life each day so that I don’t think more highly of myself than I should. My soul will continually glorify You and my spirit will rejoice in Jesus, my Savior, the Light of the World!

2. …for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name (vs. 49).

Prayer: Mighty One – You have done great things for me throughout my life! I am so grateful that You redeemed me through the birth, death and resurrection of Your only Son, Jesus Christ! Your name is holy! Help me to honor You each day!

3. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation (vs. 50).

Prayer: Merciful Father, how grateful I am that Your mercy extends from one generation to the next of those who live in awe of You. Cover my generation and those to come with Your grace, peace, strength, hope and power! Fill the generations with hope as we consider the miracle of Your humble servant, Mary, who received Your assignment to bear the Savior of the World with simple faith.  May Your great mercy fill our hearts and may every generation bring glory to Your Name!