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 worship with hope and expectation this morning remembering the words from Psalm 126
“It seemed like a dream, too good to be true,
when God returned Zion’s exiles.
We laughed, we sang,
we couldn’t believe our good fortune.
We were the talk of the nations—
“God was wonderful to them!”
God was wonderful to us;
we are one happy people.4-6 And now, God, do it again—
bring rains to our drought-stricken lives
So those who planted their crops in despair
will shout “Yes!” at the harvest,
So those who went off with heavy hearts
will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing.”
As I come to this third week of Advent we continue in hopeful waiting, making room for the coming of Christ.
Week Three:
Morning: Make us Ready—Clear the Clutter
Scripture readings: Matthew 3:1-12
In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, 2 “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.[a]” 3 The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said,
“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming!
Clear the road for him!’”[b]
4 John’s clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey. 5 People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John. 6 And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.
7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize,[c] he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. 9 Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 10 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.
11 “I baptize with[d] water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.[e] 12 He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.”
Reflection: We are called to be messengers just as John the Baptist was, preparing the Way for Christ coming. How is the Holy Spirit inviting you to clear space in your heart and life for hospitality, service and love of neighbor? Ask for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit that you/we might bear the fruit of the Kingdom.
Intercession: Pray for the needs of your family, the church, our community and places around the world who long for the God of all Hope.
Ending Prayer: Laboring God, with axe and winnowing fork you clear a holy space where hurt and destruction have no place. Clear our lives of hatred and despair, sow seeds in us of joy and peace, that shoots of hope may spring forth and that we may live in harmony with one another. Amen
Evening: Reflect and Give Thanks
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)
