The Prayers of St. Anne and St. Joachim - The Conception - Bk 1 - Ch 13

In Chapter 13 we hear from God, the Archangel Gabriel, and the prayers of St. Anne and St. Joachim and how they interacted with each other. The most wonderful element of these revelations is that they give us a peek into the internal workings of the people (and of God) in the events leading up to the Incarnation – Our Lord Jesus Christ.

St. Gabriel explains to St. Anne, “Good is incessant prayer and humble confidence. The Lord has heard thy petitions, for He is nigh to those who call upon Him with living faith and hope, and who expects his salvation (Psalm 144 18). If He delays hearing their clamors and defers the fulfillment of their prayers, it is to dispose them to receive, and to oblige Himself to give, much more than they ask and desire. Prayer and almsgiving open the treasures of the Lord, the omnipotent King, and incline Him to be lavish in mercy toward those, who ask (Tobit 11 8).”

God’s answer to the prayers of St. Joachim and St. Anne is more wonderful than either of them could have ever imagined.