The Bible has a lot of verses telling us how to pray. It also gives us many examples so we know how to apply these verses. Mary and Elizabeth are two good examples.
MARY’S EXAMPLE. In Luke 1:26-38, the birth of Jesus is foretold. The angel Gabriel visited Mary to tell her that she would give birth to a son. But not just any son–this one would be born of the Holy Spirit and “will be called the Son of Most High” (Luke 1:32). She was puzzled as any poor young woman visited by an angel would be. Even though she knew the cultural implications of being an unwed mother, she said, “I am the Lord’s servant . . . May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38). God’s will be done. She immediately packed her bags and went to visit her relative, Elizabeth. The angel told Mary that Elizabeth was also expecting a miracle birth, so she would welcome a visit from Mary. Once she greeted Elizabeth and heard her God-given affirmation, Mary exclaimed: “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)
ELIZABETH’S EXAMPLE. Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah were in the priestly line of Aaron (Luke 1:5-7) and faithfully served God at a time when most Jews just went through the motions. They had been doing this faithfully for many years. Being barren was disgraceful, especially for someone serving God in the priesthood. She thanked God for taking away her shame (Luke 1:25). When Mary visited her, her excitement showed itself in her prayer: “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed, ‘Blessed are you among women and blessed is the child you will bear . . . Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” (Luke 1:41, 45) Elizabeth knew that she was also blessed by God and acknowledged it: “But why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:43).
LESSONS FOR US TODAY. What can you glean from these two prayers? What patterns do you see? Stop here for a minute and carefully look for similarities and for lessons for us today. There are many lessons, but here are some I see:
PRAY WITH GRATITUDE. These women focused on thanking God for what He was doing, not asking for things to help them have an easier life. They praised God for Who He was and what He was doing. Does that characterize your prayers, or do you focus on telling God what you want Him to do for you?
PRAY IMMEDIATELY. Neither said they would pray later. They immediately stopped what they were doing and prayed right then and there. How often do you do that in a day?
PRAY IN DETAIL. Elizabeth went into great personal detail in her prayer. It wasn’t just a “God bless everyone” prayer but she took time to praise God for everything He was doing for her.
PRAY WITH PRAISE. Mary doesn’t just say “Thank-you,” she talks about how amazing God is to remember His promises to Abraham and his descendants and for all the might works He has done for His people (Luke 1:50-55). Mary thanked God for remembering His promises and fulfilling them.
PRAY FOR OTHERS: Mary and Elizabeth were quick to pray for each other and thank God for His kindness to each of them.
PRAY WITH OTHERS. Praying together strengthened their faith and increased their prayers. It bonded them in a special way despite their differences in age, social status, home towns, careers and spiritual maturity.
PRAY FOR CHILDREN. They prayed for their own children and for each other’s child. I imagine they continued to do so for years to come. Praying for children is very important. Often we neglect it or just quickly say something general and vague.
PRAYING FOR GOD’S WILL TO BE DONE. They trusted God to do as He saw fit. They were willing to trust and serve Him no matter what happened or what He required of them, even if they didn’t know where it would lead.
Think about these women and their prayers throughout the day. Write down what other lessons you can learn from them. I’d appreciate it if you could send them to me as well. Thanks!
Luke 11:9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
What is God teaching you about prayer through the examples of Mary and Elizabeth? Write those things down so you don’t forget them, and look at what you wrote often.
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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