Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
Written by Eric Wilkes
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation when the angel Gabriel tells Mary God’s plan for salvation. The psalmist writes a beautiful blueprint for Mary’s response. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will. And we read later in the gospel Mary’s actual response:
“Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”
I love these words and these prayers. They are an encouragement to me to come just as I am before God. To offer myself in my total incompleteness and say to God, “Here I Am.” And Mary takes it a step further and notes her identity. “I am the handmaiden of the Lord.” She knows who she is and who God calls her to be and affirms the desire to do the will of God.
Today, I encourage you to take some time to really pray these two simple prayers. Though simple, these powerful prayers have changed the course of human history. Take a moment, take a breath, and say “Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.” Pause. Take another breath and say, “Be it done unto me according to your word.”
I pray today these words would be an anchor to return to in the waves of confusion that so often come in life that we could be a church and a people open to God and his will for our lives.
Where is one area of your life that would be completely renewed for the better if you surrendered to God’s will more fully in that area? What steps can you take today to offer this area more fully to God?
Eric Wilkes is a New Orleans based artist, musician and producer serving churches, communities, and ministries on a national level. He has been an artist, writer, co-writer, instrumentalist, and producer for several projects through NOVUM RECORDS, and is a part of the indie rock duo NOVUM. When he’s not playing music, leading worship or doing ministry, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Cori, his family, and his close friends relaxing and enjoying good conversations. When Eric needs medicine for his soul he finds it in new places, sunny days, vibey shops, trips to the ocean, chai tea lattes, playing piano in empty churches and late night adoration chapel visits. You can follow him on Instagram here.
Check out our new Mass setting - Mass of the Annunciation