Today’s scripture: Matthew 20:30-34 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
First Week of Advent Devotionals
This week will be a little different. As we move through the first week of Advent, a time of expectation and preparation for the coming of Christ (Emmanuel: God with us), use this as a time of prayer and reflection. Each day will have an opening prayer, a time for a scripture reading, and a devotional prayer. Take your time, and use silence, music, or movement to compliment the sacredness of this time of preparation.
Opening Prayer:
Christ, come into my life. Stir me up, so that whatever impedes your grace from working in me will be hastened by your mercy. Help me to live in your victory; help me to turn my needs over to you. Help me to see what I cannot, and learn of your hope so that I can see what it is that I am missing. Help me grow this day, to desire more of your freedom so I can let go of those things that impede me on my journey. I wait for you, Christ, to come; help me to live in that hope. Amen.
Read today’s scripture passage — (link above).
Devotional Prayer:
Christ, you are the wisdom and power I seek. Draw me near. Help me to see that I can walk worthily in ways that please God. Reveal yourself to me. Strengthen my faith and hope in your salvation, that I can live into the fullness that you created in me. I long to be free enough to trust that I can lean on you. Help me to trust in you; your strength and power are a gentle place of protection. (Silence)
God, I turn to you with all my needs. Not just mine, but people I know who are in need, friends, colleagues, and those in the world who are in need. Part of my Advent journey is about learning to hope – learning to imagine what I can’t see. Open my eyes. Help me journey through my day today, desiring freedom from a God who promises to save. Come and set us free. Help us to see more clearly. I prepare in me a place for Christ’s coming; I long to receive your justice, Lord God of power and might. Let your face shine on me. In Jesus name, Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.