Luke 1: 41-45
When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. With a loud voice she blurted out, "God has blessed you above all women, and he has blessed the child you carry. Why do I have this honor, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. Happy is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill the promises he made to her."
When Mary knew she was pregnant, she fled to her cousin Elizabeth, for refuge and help. When I was growing up, young women who found themselves in that situation would leave town for a while to visit and aunt or cousin or grandmother. It was not socially acceptable to be unmarried and pregnant. Mary must have felt the same way - joy, but also fear and embarrassment. She knew she could count on Elizabeth for support and understanding. These women joyfully accepted the responsibilities that they had been given.
Who are (or have been) the Elizabeths of your life? For whom can you be an Elizabeth. Pray today for the young women who are facing childbirth and parenting without the security of marriage or the support of the father. Pray for those who are facing unexpected challenges. Pray that you may be present to those who need an Elizabeth, or that you may find your Elizabeth when you are in need.
Prayer for Monday, Week One
Thank you, God, for Mary's song of freedom and hope and for her leap of faith. Help us to pray as she prayed, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Amen.
Thank you, God, for Mary's song of freedom and hope and for her leap of faith. Help us to pray as she prayed, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Amen.
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