A Mother's Advent Prayer

First Sunday in Advent
November 29th, 2009

My Dear Mother-Friend,
My Lady-Mother Mary,
How I have waited to come upon this time
to visit with you in mysteriously joyful ways!
Motherhood is rich in joyful expectations.
May I take my place at your feet,
as a mother who remembers well,
the joy, reverence and time in prayer
before each of my own children were born.
How much it means to me to ponder the fullness of your joy,
especially during these four weeks
before your Son and Savior came to us all!
Increase my reverence as I serve my own children
and help me to rest in your joy
which completes the shadows of joy in my own daily tasks.
Help me to be a mother of prayer and prudence
especially now when so many tasks come about
for the mother of a family.
Stay with me each day and help prepare me
for my time of visitation in the manger
on that day when time stands still.
Will I be ready?
Will four weeks be enough time
to quiet my soul and ponder the miracle of joy
that has come to us through you?
I will wait on you, Mary.
Teach me to pray and to love.

Your daughter first,
Sharon