Art to Heart Prayer of Petition

Antonello da Messina: Virgin Annunciate

©2002 by Jeff Dugan

Until about the end of the 1800s, it was common for any artist of consequence to paint his version of the Annunciation.  That’s the moment when Mary receives the word from the angel that she will give birth to the Messiah.  Often, the artist made use of the story to show off his skills in painting a ravishingly beautiful angel.   

But here, Antonello has elected not to show us the angel at all.  He may or may not be a physical presence in the room.  It’s not really an important issue for Antonello, because it is clear that Mary is certain of God’s word to her.  And Antonello doesn’t want us to be distracted by the angel’s magnificence.  For him, the truly noteworthy element of the story is Mary’s implicit trust in God’s vision of her future.  She can perhaps sense some of the difficulty facing her, but she almost seems to have been prepared to accept it even before the angel appeared. 

Interestingly, Antonello also dispenses with the conventional practice of depicting Mary in a setting that adds to the narrative.  Instead of a temple or an inner room in the background, we see nothing but a solid black.  It is as if she has decided not to trust any of her earthly resources, but the word of God alone.

In her discerning but unhesitating acceptance of the angel’s message, we perceive that her concern about difficulties and uncertainties is fully compensated by her trust in the promise that is also implicit in God’s word.

Surely this must have been the case for the Hebrew patriarchs who subordinated their lives to God’s leading.  Surely, it has been the case for followers of Christ through the years, whose sacrificial service stands as a beacon to us.  And surely we can make it true in our lives, as well.

Let us pray.

Our gracious Lord, we have so many needs to lay at your feet.  And yet, we know from your word that we need not worry about so many of the things that cause such anxiety for us.  We love you because you are so willing to bear our burdens, but as we bring them to you, help us to trust your promise more fully.  Prepare us, as you have prepared those before us, to trust your ability to meet our needs even before they arise.

(Here the worship leader may insert a prayer or litany mentioning specific items of petition)

Amen.