Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: May 18,2026

NOTE: For the remaining days of May, I will feature a Scripture text involving Mary as tribute to her in this her month as the Mother of our Savior.

LECTIO - Read Scripture Text:   Luke 2:1-7

And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered (and this record was first made when Quirinus was governor of Syria). And all went to be registered, everyone into his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth into Judea to the city of David called Bethlehem because he was of the house of David to be registered with Mary, his espoused wife, who was with child. And so it was that while they were there, the time came to deliver her child. And she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn.

MEDITATIO - Meditate on text, allow the LORD to touch us with His Word:

BREAKING OPEN THE TEXT:

These short seven verses remind us of Mary’s role as mother of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the irony of the King of the Universe being laid in a manger. The Lord came to us in profound humility and Mary was with Him.

ORATIO – Lifting our minds and hearts to the LORD in prayer:

LORD, Almighty Father, according to your will and divine plan, your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, was born to Mary not in a prestigious palace surrounded by royalty, not even in a modest inn with other journeyers, but rather without pomp and without comforts. Yet Mary wrapped Him in swaddling and laid Him in a manger. Send your Spirit to tenderize me so that like Mary I may welcome your Son without reservations always and everywhere. Grant that I may imitate Mary in recognizing the gift of your only-begotten Son especially when it isn’t convenient or easy. I ask this in the name of  your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.

CONTEMPLATIO – Sitting with the LORD in silence for a minute or more