'Angelus Prayer'

Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to your word.  Luke 1:38

As the angel, sent by God, descended upon Mary, she obediently said yes, she made it possible for Jesus to come into the world to save us.  How profound, this holy, reverent young girl was able to discern at that pivotal moment the depths of God’s love, forgoing any inner concern she may have had or not, this we will not know, still she said yes.  In that beautiful relationship with God, Mary rose with an open heart to consent to God’s will for her.  Mary’s obedient response changed the world, made it possible for us to share in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.  God invites us gently, lovingly in so that we share in the beauty of heaven in this life and eternal life.

Mary’s loving prayers rest in the hearts of a multitude of believers who walk with Mary to embrace the great love of Jesus.  Mary lights the way of love to Jesus.  If any one man is to know love, understand love, live in love, it is through a relationship with Jesus and Mary.

A practice that is said to have begun by monks praying three Hail Mary’s to meditate on the mysteries of Jesus then became the Angelus.  It can be recited at 6 am, noon and 6 pm.  As Mary called herself  “the handmaid of the Lord” we may pray and tell God we will do his will just as Mary did.  This meditation on Mary’s yes to God, we can reflect on her example and ask for her guidance and prayer.

The Angelus

V.  The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.

R.  And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee.  Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. 

V.  Behold the handmaid of the Lord.

R.  Be it done unto me according to thy word.

Hail Mary…

V.  And the Word was made Flesh.

R.  And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary…

V.  Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.

R.  That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray,

Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ thy son was made Known by the message of an angel, may by his Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection.  Through the same Christ Our Lord.  Amen.

Peace,

Claudia

OurNourishedSoul