Today’s scripture: Acts 3:19-21 (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:
Look upon me with favor, God. I give you my petitions so that you can grant me your compassionate help. Help me to see myself clearer. As I wait for the coming of Christ, give me a sense of peace about myself. Sometimes I don’t like what I do or what I think. Other times I see where you want me to go and I feel your love and grace. Help me to embrace this as I prepare myself for the presence of Jesus during this season. Help me to see myself more clearly, and to love what you created, all that I am. Help me to grow during this season. Amen.
Read today’s scripture passage — (link above).
Devotional Prayer:
Let me make a humble prayer: Come, Jesus, and save me! God, come teach me that you have made me in your image and you have made me your own. You are close to me — not far at all. I search for you. (moment of silence)
God of forgiveness, I turn to you in weakness and ask for your help. I turn to you in my unknowing, and I ask you to guide me. Let me feel the joy growing in my heart as I anticipate your coming. Help me to grow and bloom and hear the words that will change my world and reach out to the world. 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.