Poetry Day 2: "Annunciation"

Introduction

Just as a brief reminder, this week's blog posts feature a piece of poetry instead of our regular devotion.   Today's poem features the Annunciation of Mary (which is celebrated on March 25).  This is the day when the Church remembers Gabriel coming to inform Mary that she will give birth to Jesus Christ.  Visual representations of the Annunciation often show Gabriel holding a white lily out to Mary as a symbol of purity.

If you want to experience the full benefit of the following poem by Denise Levertov, I recommend taking the following steps: 

1. Ready for yourself for the experience by entering into a state of stillness.  Block out excess noise and place your body in a comfortable, resting position.  You may want to light a candle or use some essential oils to calm yourself.  When you are physically comfortable, breathe deeply to help calm your mind.
2. Once your body and mind are relaxed, read the scripture slowly and carefully.  Try to savor its words and picture what is being described.  What do your five senses notice?  
3. Read the scripture a second time.  What words or phrases stand out to you?   What feelings or questions do you have?  Let these thoughts flow through your mind like water.
   
4. Click the video link to listen to a poem tied to that scripture.  Try to imagine what the poet describes.  What do your senses notice?  What thoughts or questions spring to mind?  You may want to listen to the poem twice.
   
5. Finally, go back and read the scripture a final time.  What do you notice now?  Has anything changed?
   
6. Offer a prayer to God based on the your thoughts on both the scripture and the poem.

As someone who has a deep love of poetry, I hope you find this process spiritually meaningful.  If it is not your cup of tea, don't worry.  The blog will return to its normal routine next week.  

Scripture

 Luke 1:26-38

²⁶ In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, ²⁷ to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” ²⁹ But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. ³⁰ The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ³¹ And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. ³² He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. ³³ He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” ³⁴ Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”  ³⁵ The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. ³⁶ And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. ³⁷ For nothing will be impossible with God.” ³⁸ Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.  (NRSV)

Poem

 "Annunciation"  by Denise Levertov