Luke 1:39-44

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” - Luke 1:39-44

Dear Heavenly Father,

You graciously created faith in Mary, Elizabeth and even John the Baptist still in the womb. And so, Mary, had family that could join her at the deepest level in understanding what was happening to her and through her. You have created faith in people around me that share my perspective, experience, struggles and joy too. They are my "go to" people to comfort me when the cruel and unbelieving world treats me poorly or when life throws me a curve ball. They keep me from being lonely and they encourage my faith. Their words ricochet through my heart and stick to the walls. They are gifts from you like Elizabeth was for Mary. Thank you for bringing others to faith around me so I have a spiritual family with which to do life.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

A friend or family member who believes is a soul stabilizer.