Beautiful God, I praise You, Your goodness, Your grace and mercy. You are my Heavenly Father and trustworthy in all that You do. You made a promise to Mary that she would conceive and give birth to The Son of The Most High. She believed, and responded—“may it be as you say.” She saw herself as Your servant.
Then You did what You said You would do. Jesus was born!
Mary’s faith, obedience and surrender is beautiful and extraordinary. But it’s not beyond my reach. I can do it too—because faith and trust is not solely dependent upon me.
No … You loved me first. Faith is not about “gut strength,” discipline or will. Indeed my faith is a gift from You. If I ask The Holy Spirit, He will increase my faith. And the more I ask, have faith and trust, the stronger it becomes. So it’s possible to believe the impossible.
In this season of Advent, as I approach the end of the year, I feel the need to inventory my relationships. Who do I owe an apology, to make amends or even give time and attention? Who have I hurt or not shown love, extended grace or helped when asked? What’s left undone or unsaid?
The season of Advent is a time when Your light shines particularly brighter and more prominently. As Your servant, I want to make sure to extend it to others, especially those on my list of relationships that need some work.
Holy Spirit, give me the courage to do this—to ask for forgiveness, to make amends, to give grace, be merciful, give time, and love intentionally those on my list.
Let me also seek out You, solitude and quiet time, so that Your light—full of hope, goodness, love and joy—fills me and shines brightly to others. May I be genuine in this request; and this not be a flat, lifeless prayer. May my heart swell. I want to be Your servant, seeking that which You ask. Then … may I joyfully obey.
In the Extraordinary and Beautiful Name of Jesus I pray.
Amen.
