silent prayer
“Thereupon Mary set out, proceeding in haste into the hill country to a town of Judah.” —Luke 1:39
The silence at the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth must have been deafening and deadening. The elderly Elizabeth was carrying her first child. Her husband had been struck mute ever since the child was conceived. He had not said a word for six months. Elizabeth asked the Lord for His help.
The Lord sent Mary as the answer to Elizabeth’s silent prayer. “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out in a loud voice” (Lk 1:41-42). The silence was broken. Elizabeth prophesied (Lk 1:42); Mary sang God’s praises and proclaimed “the greatness of the Lord” (Lk 1:46). They shouted for joy, sang joyfully, and exulted with all their hearts (Zep 3:14). Three months later, at the baby’s circumcision, even Zechariah joined the chorus. “His mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God” (Lk 1:64).
When Mary makes a visit, “all heaven breaks loose.” The silence gives way to shouts of praise. Ask Mary to visit you today.
Prayer: Jesus, send Your mother Mary to mother me and lift me from discouragement and sadness to joy and praise.
Promise: “He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals.” —Zep 3:17-18
Praise: Miranda was nervous about establishing a relationship with the Blessed Mother. She prayed the rosary a little each day and soon found herself swept away in a special sense of peace.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Mary’s Visitation listen to, download or order our AV 73-3 or V 73 on our website.)
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