Episode Twelve: Margaret of Scotland

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1:01Music Episode 12, Margaret of Scotland. Music Hi again. Today, I'm going to tell you about a princess in a faraway land, Saint Margaret of Scotland. God answered her prayers, but not exactly the way Margaret wanted. Have you ever asked for one thing and gotten something else? Maybe you asked for a Lego set for your birthday, but got a stuffed animal instead. Or you asked for help, but had to wait. Saint Margaret of Scotland asked God for help too. She prayed with her whole heart, but God's answer didn't always look the way she imagined. Today's story shows us how Saint Margaret listened to God and accepted the answer he gave her even when it surprised her.

2:04Saint Margaret was a princess in the year 1045, almost a thousand years ago. She had to flee her country after her father died. Margaret was on a dangerous sea journey with her mother and her siblings, Edgar and Christina, looking for a new home. She prayed, asking Jesus to protect her and to lead her family to a new home, but storms rocked the ship and drove them off course. When the storm cleared, instead of arriving in a safe new home, Margaret found herself facing a wild, rocky shoreline. Let's listen to hear what happened next. Sisters, the watchman says we've been pushing north, past Northumberland. We're headed towards the Scottish shore now. Scotland? Indeed. I saw it through the telescope. You can see the shore yourself now if you look over there. But Scotland is overrun with Vikings. We can't land there. We must. The ship is too battered to go on.

3:05I've heard such terrible things about Scotland. A king, especially. He's known to be a horrible brute. We must have faith, sisters. We have no other choices. Can you share some scripture to ease my mind, Margaret? Please. Something hopeful, perhaps? But I do not have my Bible. It's back in England with the Normans. Please, Margaret. Something from memory, then. All right. Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and do not lean on thine own understanding in all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall make straight thy paths. Lord, make straight this crooked path. Amen. Amen. Look, you can see the shore clearly now. Who are those people walking along the water? Oh, Christina, Edgar.

4:05They have robes. They're monks. Quickly, the Lord responds. Thank you for being so welcoming, prior, Aldwyn. Of course, Princess Margaret. Your family is most welcome at our monastery. Mother is finally sleeping, Zonely. Praise be. I'm sure it was an arduous journey. Where is it you travelers were headed before the stormbley in north? We were seeking refuge in Hungary. Hungary? Then you're indeed, of course, Princess Christina. In fact, you've been quick turned around. We intend to depart again with haste. I'm sure we will find another ship in no time. Oh. Is there any chance of our finding another ship?

5:07It is possible, but it may take many weeks. This is not a busy shoreline. Come on, big wave. Make way. Make way for Malcolm. Kick up the scott. The king, what on earth are the Scottish king doing at this monastery? I feel not sisters, but I will hang this. I will hang this. All rise for Malcolm. King of the Scots. Good morrow, friends. I came this way for once I heard of your trouble. A wee bit rude of you for interrupting me, Raid. But I'll forgive you. Wold I gambling? Of course, my king. Is this the lot of you then? Did the Normans steal your tongues? Speak.

6:08Well, um, uh. We all have our tongues where they should be. Aye, and a quick tongue it is last. Malcolm invited Margaret and her family to go to Scotland with him. He promised to give them a safe place to live. Margaret was shocked to find that God was not answering her prayer through the monks, but through a rude and boisterous Scottish king. Malcolm himself. Going with Malcolm to Scotland didn't feel like an answer to her prayer. But Margaret ended up marrying King Malcolm and becoming queen Margaret of Scotland. No one was more surprised by that outcome than Margaret herself. She got the home she had prayed for and the safety and peace she had asked Jesus for. But in a place and in a way, she never expected. So the next time you ask Jesus for something,

7:08know that he hears your prayer and that he knows the needs of your heart. He answers your prayers in ways that are sometimes even better than you're expecting. Jesus always answers our prayers, though sometimes the answer doesn't look like what we hoped for. Even when it feels like we're alone and Jesus isn't paying attention to our needs, we should call out to him just like Margaret did. Who would you like to pray for today? Go get a piece of paper and something to write with. Go ahead and do this now. Now, think of a person you'd like to pray for. It could be your father, your cousin, your teacher, whoever you like. Do you have something to write with now? If you need to, ask your parents to help you with this part. Think of a person and write his or her name down on the paper. Keep the paper in your pocket or put it up on the fridge so you remember to pray for them throughout the day.

8:09When you see the paper, whisper, Jesus, I trust in you. Take care of this person for me. Tomorrow, we'll talk about a saint who prayed for people just like this when she was your age. Until then, Saint Margaret of Scotland pray for us. To listen to all of Lent with the Saints and to get a free coloring saints book, go to LentwiththeSaints.com.