The Feast of the Annunciation | Friday 25 March 2022

Today is Friday the 25th of March, the Feast of the Annunciation.
Luke Parker sings, 'In Quietness'. What is it you desire from your time of prayer today? As you listen to this song, talk to God about this.

When I am down and on my knees
you are enough, you're all I need
It's here you meet me
so I'll stay
In the stillness of your embrace
When I am down
and on my knees
with all that I am surrendering
and in this moment face to face
in your presence Lord I will wait
In quietness I wait for you to speak
my spirit thirsty Lord, longing for you
and I'll wait Lord for more of you
my soul thirsts Lord for more of you
…
you break the silence
your voice it inspires
and I am in awe of your love
you bring a newness of life in its fullness
revealing the plans of your heart
you break the silence
your voice it inspires
and I am in awe of your love
you bring a newness of life in its fullness
revealing the plans of your heart

Today's reading is from the Prophet Isaiah.
Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10
Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test. Then Isaiah said: 'Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. Take counsel together, but it shall be brought to naught; speak a word, but it will not stand, for God is with us.

Ahaz is the king of Judah, whom God and the prophet Isaiah accuse of making alliances with Syria and Assyria and Israel. So they invite him to ask God for a sign, but he refuses, under the mask of piety: "I will not put the Lord to the test". It sounds very religious, this, but what he's actually doing is to refuse to obey God. Have you ever found yourself playing games of that sort?
We are used to hearing of "Immanuel" during Advent and Christmas… "God with us". In what way is this significant in this reading? How do you hear it afresh today, outside of the Advent context?

Now listen again as the passages read to you; God is giving Ahaz a sign it seems; what is the sign?
Finally, examine the feelings that have been arising in you during this time; can you offer them to God in a prayer of your own making?

You have given all to me.
To you Lord, I return it.
Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace…
That is enough for me.