How can we apply Mary's response to Jesus in our daily prayer life? Setting the Scene John 20:16: “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher).” Mary, lost in grief, hears one word—her own name—and everything changes. Her response offers a pattern we can carry into every moment of prayer. Listening for His Voice • Slow down before speaking. Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” • Expect Him to call you personally. John 10:27: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” • Silence distractions so His whisper isn’t drowned out—turn off the phone, step outside, close the door (Matthew 6:6). Responding with Recognition and Relationship • Mary’s first word is relational: “Rabboni!” She recognizes the Speaker before asking for anything. • Begin prayer by acknowledging Who is present—“Lord Jesus, You are here.” • Let recognition shape requests. When we see Him clearly, petitions align with His heart (1 John 5:14). Calling Him “Rabboni” — Honoring His Authority • “Rabboni” means “My Teacher.” Prayer is more than talking; it is learning. • Approach Scripture with a learner’s posture (Psalm 25:4–5). • Allow His Word to correct and guide before presenting your agenda (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Turning Toward Him — A Posture of Surrender • Mary “turned” to Jesus. Turning implies change of direction. • In prayer, consciously turn from anxiety, sin, or self-reliance toward Him (Hebrews 12:2). • Practical step: confess distractions aloud, then redirect focus to Christ. Letting Joy Replace Grief • Mary moves from weeping (v. 11) to worship in seconds. • Bring raw emotions to Jesus; let His presence redefine them (Psalm 30:11). • Joy in prayer is rooted in the risen Lord, not in changing circumstances (Philippians 4:4–7). Sharing What We Have Seen • Immediately after her encounter, Mary is sent: “Go to My brothers and tell them…” (John 20:17). • Prayer that truly meets Jesus overflows into testimony. • Ask, “Who needs to hear today what He showed me?” then act (Acts 4:20). Daily Takeaways 1. Set a quiet moment each day to listen for your name. 2. Greet Him first, requests second. 3. Open Scripture expecting instruction, not mere information. 4. Physically or mentally “turn” from distractions when they rise. 5. Let His resurrection joy color every emotion you bring. 6. End prayer looking outward—ready to share what you’ve heard. |
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