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 the promise God spoke to Isaiah of Christ coming,
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Week Four:
Morning: Christ is coming in the midst of our darkness
Scripture readings: Matthew 1:18-25
18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement[h] quietly.
20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus,[i] for he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:
23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel,[j]
which means ‘God is with us.’”
24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.
Reflection: Imagine this scene for Joseph and Mary. What thoughts and emotions rise in you as you consider the angels surprising words to Mary and Joseph. Reflect upon their open and humble responses. Is there a place in your life right now where the Spirit is inviting you to trust and surrender?
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: God of Glory, your splendor shines from the manger in Bethlehem, where the Light of the world is humbly born into the darkness of human night. Open our eyes to see Christ’s presence in the shadows of our world, so that we, like him, may become beacons of your justice, and protectors of all who have no room or place of belonging.
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)
