Tuesday: Struggle
Pray: Begin by making the sign of the cross and calling upon God’s name.
From God to us, from death to life, from me to you …
in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord God, thank you for sending messengers to bring good news into our world. Help us to listen to your Word, and hear it with open ears. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Listen: Pay close attention as these verses from the Bible are read aloud.
Luke 1:26-29
One month later God sent the angel Gabriel to the town of Nazareth in Galilee with a message for a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to Joseph from the family of King David. The angel greeted Mary and said, “You are truly blessed! The Lord is with you.” Mary was confused by the angel’s words and wondered what they meant. (CEV)
Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.
Child: How do you imagine Joseph felt when he heard what the angel told Mary? Do you think this was hard for him?
Child: What is it like to be engaged to marry someone, like Mary and Joseph were? Do you think challenges can draw a couple closer together? Why or why not?
Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.
Heavenly Father, even when we receive unexpected news, you are with us. May we believe this, and learn to walk forward in faith, as Mary and Joseph did so long ago. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.
May you be open to hearing God’s Word! Amen.