I just same across this article which describes the finding of what is believed to be earliest known written prayer to Mary. It is from around 250 … well before the Councils and other more formal events that talked about our Lady. Wonderful to read that right from the beginning she was called the Theotokos - Bearer of God! I wonder of the next Marian dogma will soon be the co-redemtorix? But, in meantime, very beautiful to now add this ancient prayer to my own prayers. The prayer goes: Beneath thy compassion, we take refuge, O Mother of God: do not despise our petitions in time of trouble, but rescue us from dangers,only pure one, only blessed one. https://aleteia.org/2016/07/08/let-us-pray-the-earliest-known-marian-prayer/
Sub tuum praesidium Greek Text Ὑπὸ τὴν σὴν εὐσπλαγχνίαν, καταφεύγομεν, Θεοτόκε. Τὰς ἡμῶν ἱκεσίας, μὴ παρίδῃς ἐν περιστάσει, ἀλλ᾽ ἐκ κινδύνων λύτρωσαι ἡμᾶς, μόνη Ἁγνή, μόνη εὐλογημένη. English Translation Beneath thy compassion, We take refuge, O Theotokos [God-bearer]: do not despise our petitions in time of trouble: but rescue us from dangers, only pure one, only blessed one.
I think one could meditate on this part alone for a long time. At this time of such utter confusion and chaos when we are seeking mostly physical refuges, this pray brings us to our true and permanent refuge - The Theotokos! Even that title is truly such an enormous thought- a human - a creature made by God becomes the bearer of God. I have tears writing this as I contemplate the enormity and humility of our God. It gives me hope. Peace.
