Praying the Joyful Mysteries

Using Scripture and Meditation to Guide My Prayers

The Annunciation

“And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ Luke 1:38

Lord, like Mary, may I be open to receiving your Good News–that my heart would be open to Your call, whatever it is, and that “Fiat” or “Yes, Lord” would be my joyful response. Only by your grace can I have joy in obeying you, Lord.

For my family members that they will love to commune with you.

The Visitation

“And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son . . . . In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country . . . , and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.” Luke 1:33-39

Lord, thank you for the gift of a loving family. Bless the relationships in our family and extended family. Let us love with your love and care for one another.

The Nativity of our Lord

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth and we have beheld his glory.” John 1:14

“And she gave birth to her first-born and wrapped him in swaddling cloths . . .” Luke 2:7

Thank you, Lord, for coming into the world and assuming our human nature. Thank you for being so approachable. May I love you and adore you as a mother adores her child. May I hold you close as Mary did. I want to receive the gift of Yourself and give the gift of myself. I love you.

Draw my loved ones into this close relationship with You. May they know You intimately.

The Presentation in the Temple

“And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him (the infant Jesus) up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord . . .and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord . . .” Luke 2:22, 24

“Truly I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For they all contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, her whole life.” Mark 12:43

Lord, I want to bring my offerings to you daily. All that I have, all that I am. I desire to worship you and to hand over the treasures of my heart. Let me learn to live with a heart that is open and trusting, not clinging to things or people or my will. I present myself, my time, my hopes, my fears, my sufferings, and my belongings to you today.

The Finding of Jesus in the Temple

“Whom have I in heaven, but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee.” Psalm 73:25

“And when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; and all who heard him were amazed . . .” Luke 2:45-46

Lord, give me a heart that persists in seeking You. I often search for satisfaction in the wrong places–my phone, AI, brooding and wallowing.

Let me live joyfully in this world, trusting that as I seek You, I will surely find You. And sometimes I won’t know where you are, but let me keep seeking. You are always teaching and speaking truth; ruling and reigning and healing and delivering. And I will always be happy to find You and see You doing Your good work.