December 8, 9
Call to Prayer:
“Give the gift of wise rule to the king, O God,
the gift of just rule to the crown prince.
May he judge your people rightly,
be honorable to your meek and lowly.” (Psalm 72, The Message)
Silence (2 minutes)
Scripture for Interiorization:
“By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death…”
Prompts for Prayer
- Reflect on God as the wise and just King, what images does that bring up for you?
- Do a quick internet search for the places in Scripture where we see language of light in darkness. What do you notice?
Hymn for Reflection – “Drop Down Ye Heavens”
Closing Prayer:
Blessed Lord, who caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and the comfort of your holy Word we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
December 10, 11
Call to Prayer:
“Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.” (Psalm 112)
Silence (2 minutes)
Scripture for Interiorization:
“By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death…”
Prompts for Prayer
– On the next page. Write a simple 2-3 line prayer of longing for the Advent season.
– One of the primary themes of Advent is waiting, waiting for Jesus, waiting for salvation…what do you need to say to God as you wait?
Hymn for Reflection – “O Virgo Virginum”
Closing Prayer:
Blessed Lord, who caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and the comfort of your holy Word we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
December 12, 13, 14
Call to Prayer:
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.
(Psalm 23)
Silence (2 minutes)
Scripture for Interiorization:
“By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death…”
Prompts for Prayer
– Offer prayers of intercession for the darkness of the world around us…war, violence, abuse, hate, division.
– Where are you finding comfort in the midst of darkness this day?
Hymn for Reflection – “There is No Rose”
Closing Prayer:
Blessed Lord, who caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and the comfort of your holy Word we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
