# Prayer on the Presentation of Mary
*2015-11-21*

> Bill Young reflects on the feast of the Presentation of Mary, recounts its history, and offers a prayer asking for Mary's guidance in following God’s plan.

## The Feast’s History

Good morning, this is Bill Young, and welcome to Prayer and Lunch. Today is Saturday, November 21st, the feast day of the Presentation of Mary. The celebration originated in Jerusalem in the 6th century, where a church was built in her honor. The Eastern Church kept the feast, while it did not appear in the Western calendar until the 11th century. At times it disappeared from the calendar in the 16th century, but it was later restored as a feast for the universal Church.

## Mary’s Early Life

According to tradition, the Blessed Virgin Mary was dedicated to the Lord by her parents when she was three years old. She was taken to the Temple, where she joined the girls who spent their days praying, reading Scripture, and serving the priests. Her holiness was evident even then, and the high priest recognized that God had great plans for her.

## A Prayer for Guidance

Heavenly Father, the Blessed Virgin Mary was dedicated to You at a very young age. As she grew in prayer and service, she became a model of holiness. I ask Mary to intercede for me, that I may discern the plans You have for my life. Where I have strayed onto my own path, grant me her hand to guide me back to the way You desire. Give me the grace to wait patiently for the new plan you are preparing, and to trust that it will be fulfilled. Blessed Virgin Mary, pray for us.

*May Mary’s example inspire us to trust God’s plan and seek her guidance on our journey.*