This is a painting expressing the importance of prayer, time with God. This is why Mary chose the seashore for the setting, a man in common clothing and the Lord looking over him listening to him. The bible says the strong man knows true strength comes from the Lord, that it not a sign of weakness. The bible and history show that kings, presidents, priests, ministers, women, children and old people pray to God.

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:4,5

In this painting Mary wants to remind people of God's great love for us. She chose passages from the bible to guide her in how to best express this in a painting. Illustrating a woman sitting on a bench with her face down to express the pain of despair that we go through at times in life. With the Lord behind her, His hand on her shoulder showing His omnipresence. Even when it seems as if the Lord is far away from us, no matter how dark or distressing this time in our lives may be, there is no burden too great that His love cannot penetrate. She felt the need to paint His face to express this love toward us.

“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” 11 Corinthians 1:3,4