Prayers for God's Leading: Luke 1:26-38
Shaping a time of prayer for dwelling with Bible texts, prayer responses, songs of faith, and a concluding benediction.
Orienting Scripture Text:
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not quench the Spirit.
Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all;
hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. -I Thessalonians 5:16-22
Quiet Reflection
Prayer
Almighty God, giver of strength,
we know that you have made a way for those who believe.
We remember your faithfulness.
We rejoice in your presence
as we seek wisdom in the many decisions we have to make.
Give us thankful hearts in troubled times,
hearts sustained by your Holy Spirit.
Open our eyes to the wonders of your love in Jesus Christ
and turn us from that which distracts us from the good.
In your One and Only Son we pray,
Amen.
- Ben Luker, Class of 2023, Calvin Worship Apprentice
Central Scripture Text:
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God
to a town in Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David.
The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said,
“Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”
But she was much perplexed by his words
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
The angel said to her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you will name him Jesus. He will be great,
and will be called the Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David.
He will reign over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”
The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you;
therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.
And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son;
and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren.
For nothing will be impossible with God.”
Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord;
let it be with me according to your word.”
Then the angel departed from her. -Luke 1:26-38
Prayer
God of covenantal love,
Thank you for the life and witness of your servant,
Mary, mother of our Lord—and for the outpouring of your Spirit on her.
How we marvel at Jesus’ promise that this same Holy Spirit of truth
and comfort comes to us, equipping us to be your servants.
In hope, we pray:
Teach us by your Spirit to pray, “let it be with me according to your word.”
Calm our hearts as we learn pray, “let it be with me according to your word.”
Show us how to say “here am I, your servant,” without pretense, and with a spirit of sacrificial love.
All for the sake of the world you so love.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Quiet Reflection
Musical Reflections
- Calvin University Capella: "Do Not Be Afraid" (Calvin University Capella, Pearl Shangkuan, conductor)
- Calvin University Capella: "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" (Calvin University Capella, Pearl Shangkuan, conductor; Linda Hoisington, accompanist)
Blessing
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. -Romans 15:13