As this series on lessons from the story of Mary concludes, reflect on how Mary’s walk with God truly reflects the walk we are called to as well.
I have a heart for music and I love to sing to and for God, so it’s no surprise that there’s a song I love that conveys all that this series means. It’s a song you only hear sung in December, but one that I sing to myself throughout the year.
The verses and chorus are a prayer Mary might have sung on her walk with God as she carried His Son, but they speak to beautifully to us as we carry the name of God into the world.
Today, I offer you the words of this song to consider for yourself as a personal prayer all year long. I’ve written the lyrics in plain type and my personalized prayer version in italics.
Breath of Heaven / My Prayer
[songwriting credits: Chris Eaton and Amy Grant]
I have traveled, many moonless nights.
Cold and weary, with a babe inside.
And I wonder, what I’ve done.
Holy Father, You have come
And chosen me now,
To carry Your son.
Lord, I traveled in the dark for so long before I knew You as I do now. Even still, when I am cold and weary, I fall to my knees and You picked me up. I realize how my sins were and are an abomination to You and I can’t help but wonder what I ever did to deserve Your grace and mercy. I know that I can do nothing to earn this gift, but by simply choosing to submit to You, to surrender my will to Yours, and to worship the risen Savior as my Lord, You choose me to carry Your name into the world. For Your glory I am here.
I am waiting, in a silent prayer.
I am frightened, by the load I bear.
In a world as cold as stone.
Must I walk this path alone.
Be with me now.
Be with me now.
Lord, I come to You daily, constantly, in silent prayer, seeking Your guidance, help, support, comfort, healing…the list is long. I confess that there are times I am fearful, even though Your word tells me that You do not bring me a spirit of fear but of sound mind. I desire to walk the path You set before me and to uphold Your word in my life, but this world is often cold towards Your ways and I can feel so alone. Thank You that I am reminded in Your Word that I am never alone. Thanks You for the gift of prayer where I can come sit at a table and be with you. Be with me now. You are always with me. I walk in Your strength.
Do You wonder, as You watch my face
If a wiser one, should have had my place
But I offer all I am
For the mercy of Your plan
Help me be strong
Help me be
Help me
Lord, as You watch me day by day, I wonder what You must be thinking. I know You see when I stumble. The enemy wants to take those moments and give me reason to question whether I can even be used by You. Forgive me Lord when I doubt. I submit my all to You, recognizing that it is not my strength, talents or wisdom that fulfill Your plans for Your kingdom, but in my weakness, You are strong. When I let go of me, a can be all You created me to be. When I can’t…YOU CAN. So Lord, help me be strong when You need me to be strong. Help me to be when You just want me to be still and listen/trust. Help me Lord. Every step of the way. Help me.
CHORUS:
Breath of Heaven
Hold me together
Be forever near me
Breath of Heaven
Lighten my darkness
Pour over me Your holiness
Breath of Heaven
Lord, pour out your Spirit, Your breath, over me. When I am falling apart, hold me together. Thank You Lord for the gift of the Holy Spirit to be near me here on earth. When I am lost, You lighten my way. When I feel surrounded by darkness, You are my light. I cannot be perfect or holy in myself, but pour out Your Spirit on me and I walk in Your holiness. Because of Your sacrificial act on the cross, Your holiness is poured over me and I can come before You in prayer. I can seek You and build a deeper relationship with You. I come to You in the name of the one who went to the cross, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
For His Glory
May this model inspire your time with God today.