Begin each time of prayer with a few moments of silence. Open yourself to the love and presence of God with you.
I worship God with thanks this morning joining with the ancient praises of God’s people,
“the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning, Great is Your faithfulness O God!” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
Advent is a time of joy, waiting and preparation. We celebrate that Christ has come to us, we wait with longing and expectation for his second coming and we prepare our hearts for the ways Christ continues to meets with us in our lives in this very moment. Let us enter this Advent season with attentiveness to listen to the Holy Spirit and watch for the coming of Christ.
Week One:
Morning: Prepare for Advent
Scripture Reading: Romans 8:22-25 MSG
All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it’s not only around us; it’s within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We’re also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.
Reflection: In this first week of Advent ask Jesus to enlarge and renew your strength in waiting for His coming. Where are you waiting for Christ coming and salvation? How might you keep watch this Advent season as you wait? Consider what ways in this busy season you can slow down and be attentive to listen to the Holy Spirit.
Intercession: Pause to hold in God’s presence your family, community and parts of our world where we are waiting for God’s redemption.
Ending Prayer: Jesus we wait with longing for your coming. We wait with songs of joy and groan as we watch for your coming. Help us this Advent season to make room and to be open to your Presence. You are everything to us. Come Lord Jesus, come!
Evening: Reflect and Give Thanks
As we end this day, we pause to rest in God’s presence with us. We find rest in His unfailing love and faithfulness.
Look back upon your day. Small moments, big moments, the interactions you have had. What are you most grateful for? Give God thanks for all that comes to mind.
Was there anything that troubled you today? Breathing in slowly, receive God’s peace.
Was there a time you were drawn away from your first Love? Come to Christ in a prayer of confession
Prayer of confession: Most merciful God we confess that we have sinned against you in thought word and deed by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart, we have not loved our neighbor as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your son Jesus have mercy on us and forgive us that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your name. Amen.
Remembering the words of 1 John 1:9 I remind my soul, “You are faithful and just, forgiving and purifying me from all unrighteousness. I receive your forgiveness and rest in you love.
Ending prayer: Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen (Book of Common Prayer)
