Begin this time of prayer with a moment of silence. Breathe in slowly. Open yourself to the love and presence of God with you.
I come to worship God with thanks and remembering his unfailing love from Romans 8:38-39
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
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 Two:
Morning: Wake Up-The day is near
Scripture readings: Matthew 24:36-44 and Romans 13:11-14
36 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself.[k] Only the Father knows.
37 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. 38 In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. 39 People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.
40 “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.
42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. 43 Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. 44 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.
11 This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. 13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. 14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.
Reflection: Reflect on what it means to be alert and expectant for the coming of Christ. Are there places where you feel weary in waiting? Ask the Holy Spirit to renew your strength in the waiting.
Intercession: Pray for your family, church, our community and places around the world who long for the God of all Hope.
Ending Prayer: Give us ears to hear, O God, and eyes to watch, that we may know your presence in our midst during this holy season of joy as we anticipate the coming of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Evening: Reflect with Gratitude
As we end this day, we pause to rest in the Presence of God with us.
Look back upon your day. Small moments, big moments, the interactions you 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? Return 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)
