by 
The Power of Prayer
Luke 1 :47-55 (New International Version)
By Joan Herron
Is it my imagination, or are my daily prayers significantly longer than they used to be? Remember our childhood prayers? “God Bless Mommy and Daddy … ” The older we get, the more we realize just how much prayer is needed in our world. Our families, our friends, our church, our wider community– there is so much need in the world today that we could be on our knees 24/7 and still feel helpless. On a personal levelabuse, addiction, divorce, loneliness … on a community and world level-hunger, war, neglect…where do we start?
Then, the reassurances of scripture such as this passage come to help us. The Mighty One has done great things for me! Along with the problems of the world come the joys: love, loyalty, faith, family, fellowship and the knowledge that God is with us always. There is no anguish for the sins around us unless we also know how to love and to feel compassion. This Advent season is the perfect time to thank God for being able to feel that compassion and love.
Prayer: Dear God, we thank You for all You have done for us. We know that it is only because we can feel love and compassion so strongly that we are able to lament the heartache that can touch our neighbors. Help us to embrace this compassion and all it means, along with the responsibilities of being a caring people. The anticipation of Jesus’ birth fills us with excitement and joy, and the opportunity to care for those around us. Amen.
