December 22, 2017 FRIDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT-B

1 Samuel 1:24-28

Psalm 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-7

Luke 1:46-56

 “…the Lord granted my request.”  1 Sam 1:27

“…the Almighty has done great things for me…” Lk. 1:49

Lord, two simple, humble women, Hannah and Mary many centuries apart, give thanks and praise for the blessing of their children.  You responded to their prayers and their trust in you.  You chose them to be critical agents in your plan to redeem and rescue the human race from the death of sin.  You showered them with all they needed to fulfill their role.  Lord, I believe you have chosen me as well to be an agent of your love and grace in my family, community and world.  You have answered all of my prayers according to what is best.  Due to my narrow vision I have not always prayed for what you want me to have.  Thank you for not giving me everything I desire.  Lord, you know me better than I know myself and so I trust in your goodness and kindness all the days of my life.    I rejoice in your presence and in the celebration of your birth three days from now.  I look forward to how you will fill me with great things today.  Even those for which I don’t have the courage or vision to ask for.  Amen.