Encounter: Simeon

Scripture: Luke 2:22-32 NIV

When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.”

Prayer:

Sovereign Lord,

Thank you for your Holy Spirit who reveals your promise of salvation. I hold that sacred. He reminds me of your promises and satisfies me as I wait. I don’t know how long Simeon waited for his prayer and your promise to be fulfilled, but it seems as though he didn’t grow weary. Like Simeon, may I seek and recognize, without so much as a word, I have encountered Jesus. Let me not grow weary in the waiting and experience peace in knowing you are ever-present.

Amen.

Read all of 40 Days of Prayer at easter.crossings.church.