December 10th, 2024
Let’s prayerfully read & reflect in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1, verses 26 – 45 (Oh yeah, this is such a good spiritual exercise!) , giving special attention to Vs.39 -45.
IMAGINE being in this text when these events occurred:
V.39 – Why do you think Mary went to visit her aunt Elizabeth? ___________________ One insight is we find hope with individuals who are walking in similar life-challenges. Engaging in fellowship is important to escape the darkness of discouragement. Recall both Elizabeth and Mary were experiencing surprising pregnancies.
Vs. 40 – 41 – What occurred of significance when Mary entered the home of uncle Zechariah and aunt Elizabeth? _______________________________ What does this teach us about the importance of life in a mother’s womb? ________________________.
Vs. 42 – 45 – Notice the ‘blessing’ (words of approval) Elizabeth gave to Mary. She blessed Mary for God’s grace in her life and she blessed with approval her pregnancy (the child will be blessed). It is noticeable that no words of disapproval or judgment were in Elizabeth’s voice. She also approved her belief in God’s Word.
PAUSE & CONSIDER: Someone who spoke a blessing to you – by approving who you are and who you are becoming. Maybe it was a parent, friend, mentor, or spiritual leader. What did these words of blessing do to your heart? _________________________________ (i.e. reassured me, encouraged me, etc)
Prayerfully think about someone in your daily traffic patterns that you could give a blessing by speaking ‘words of approval.’
If you are a parent, think about a special quality of yoru child that you admire and approve of this in a loving conversation.
If you are married, think about how you can bless your spouse with a startling expression of approval.
Look for ways to startle ones with a blessing today.
PRAYER PROMPT: Heavenly Father, You have spoken a blessing of approval over my soul by declaring I am forgiven and no longer condemned; You call me your child and one in whom You delight. My heart is filled with joy over Your love. May Your Spirit empower me to freely give Your words of approval and blessing to ________________________________, for I humbly pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
IMAGINE being in this text when these events occurred:
V.39 – Why do you think Mary went to visit her aunt Elizabeth? ___________________ One insight is we find hope with individuals who are walking in similar life-challenges. Engaging in fellowship is important to escape the darkness of discouragement. Recall both Elizabeth and Mary were experiencing surprising pregnancies.
Vs. 40 – 41 – What occurred of significance when Mary entered the home of uncle Zechariah and aunt Elizabeth? _______________________________ What does this teach us about the importance of life in a mother’s womb? ________________________.
Vs. 42 – 45 – Notice the ‘blessing’ (words of approval) Elizabeth gave to Mary. She blessed Mary for God’s grace in her life and she blessed with approval her pregnancy (the child will be blessed). It is noticeable that no words of disapproval or judgment were in Elizabeth’s voice. She also approved her belief in God’s Word.
PAUSE & CONSIDER: Someone who spoke a blessing to you – by approving who you are and who you are becoming. Maybe it was a parent, friend, mentor, or spiritual leader. What did these words of blessing do to your heart? _________________________________ (i.e. reassured me, encouraged me, etc)
Prayerfully think about someone in your daily traffic patterns that you could give a blessing by speaking ‘words of approval.’
If you are a parent, think about a special quality of yoru child that you admire and approve of this in a loving conversation.
If you are married, think about how you can bless your spouse with a startling expression of approval.
Look for ways to startle ones with a blessing today.
PRAYER PROMPT: Heavenly Father, You have spoken a blessing of approval over my soul by declaring I am forgiven and no longer condemned; You call me your child and one in whom You delight. My heart is filled with joy over Your love. May Your Spirit empower me to freely give Your words of approval and blessing to ________________________________, for I humbly pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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