• Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Legal Information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Speaking
  • Healthy Spirituality Store
  • Resources
  • Bio
  • Healthy Spirituality Gift Guide

Mary’s Focus Only on God – Lectio Divina

December 23, 2012 By Jean Wise

And Mary said:

“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.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones
 but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful

to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

Luke 1: 46-55

I am so ashamed, Lord. Please forgive me.
The majority of my prayers begin with “I.”
The focus is me – what I want, what I think I need, what I demand.  Often giving You orders instead of humbly reporting to duty.
Even the prayers for others drip with ego.
In this prayer above, Lord, Mary turns hers and our eyes towards You.
She could have asked for something for herself. Who could have blamed her in her condition?
Even when she mentions herself – My soul, my spirit – her words reflect You.
You and You alone.
You first and last.
You are the King.
You are the Savior.
You are the Courage and Strength of all.
You are Love and Mercy.
Your Glory rules everywhere, in every time and in everyone.
You and You alone.
You.

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Pinterest Share on LinkedIn Share on Email

Filed Under: lectio divina, prayer

Comments

  1. blankcharlotte71 says

    December 24, 2012 at 10:01 pm

    Amen. It is not easy to get the focus off of ourselves and onto Him, but it is so rewarding.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

  2. blankAmy L. Sullivan says

    December 24, 2012 at 3:50 pm

    “You and you alone.” I could sit on that idea all season.

  3. blankcolwrite says

    December 24, 2012 at 6:18 am

    Oh, I love this. That first line grabs me very time.

    Merry Christmas, Jean!

  4. blankJean Wise says

    December 23, 2012 at 6:57 pm

    You know, Kendall, as each year passes this passages grows in depth for me. May our faith deepen too! Merry Christmas!

  5. blankJean Wise says

    December 23, 2012 at 6:56 pm

    Thanks for stopping by and commenting Sheila. Merry Christmas!

  6. blankJean Wise says

    December 23, 2012 at 6:55 pm

    yes, yes Marty! Merry Christmas to you too!

  7. blankSheila Seiler Lagrand says

    December 23, 2012 at 5:09 pm

    Amen and Amen! (visiting from Deidra’s today).

  8. blankMia De Vries says

    December 23, 2012 at 2:38 pm

    Hi Jean
    Yes, your words hits close to home! May our Lrd deliver us from ourselves.
    Much love
    Mia

  9. blankKendal Privette says

    December 23, 2012 at 1:58 pm

    i love this scripture. so very much. thanks for posting….

  10. blankMarty says

    December 23, 2012 at 1:26 pm

    May our response be as hers! May we glorify and rejoice in what our God has done, is doing, and will do!
    Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Healthy Spirituality – a sacred space to nurture your faith, grow closer to God, and belong to a community, walking together on life’s journey. This blog is written by author, speaker and retreat leader Jean Wise

blank Read More…

Subscribe to Healthy Spirituality and learn more about spiritual practices such as prayer

This book will help you as you plan and attend a spiritual retreat

blankblank

Let’s Connect!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Medium
  • Pinterest

Search This Blog

Categories

Copyright © 2023 Lifestyle Theme · Genesis Framework by StudioPress Themes · Blog Set-Up By Blogelina