Savior of the Nations Come: Advent Daybook, 4

Take a few deep breaths, settle your body, mind, and heart into a quiet space and let’s begin with prayer.

Opening prayer: Heavenly Father, make me more like Jesus and more like the true self you’ve created as I savor your loving presence today. Please guide my thoughts and impressions by your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Look: A migrant carries a child as he runs to board a smuggler's boat on the beach of Gravelines, near Dunkirk, France, on October 12, 2022, in an attempt to cross the English Channel. Since the beginning of the year, more than 33,500 people have already made the perilous crossing of the English Channel, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. - Source

Listen: Savior of the Nations Come, Holy City Hymns - Bandcamp w/ lyrics | Spotify | YouTube

Read: Psalm 119:1-24; Psalm 12-14; Isaiah 2:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20; Luke 20:19-26

Excerpts:

"Because the poor are despoiled, because the needy groan, I will now rise up,” says the Lord; “I will place them in the safety for which they long.” The promises of the Lord are promises that are pure, silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times."

*

"There they shall be in great terror, for God is with the company of the righteous. You would confound the plans of the poor, but the Lord is their refuge.

O that deliverance for Israel would come from Zion! When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people, Jacob will rejoice; Israel will be glad."

*

"The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth instruction and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!"

- Psalm 12:5-6; Psalm 14:5-7; Isaiah 2:1-5 (NRSVUE)

Pray: Book of Common Prayer, Prayers of the People (Form VI)

On Wednesdays, through Advent, we’ll practice an intercessory prayer method called “Prayers of the People.” This comprehensive format of call and response guides us through each sphere of our world with specific prayer. If you’re praying with a friend or family member, one of you can read the first part (the bidding) and one can read the second part (the response).

“In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.

Silence

For all people in their daily life and work; For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.

For this community, the nation, and the world; For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.

For the just and proper use of your creation; For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.

For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble; For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.

For the peace and unity of the Church of God; For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.

For our church leaders; and all other ministers; For all who serve God in his Church.

For the special needs and concerns of our congregation.

Silence

Add your own requests and petitions: ____________.

Hear us, Lord; For your mercy is great.

We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.

Silence

Add your own thanksgivings: ________________.

We will exalt you, O God our King; And praise your Name for ever and ever.

We think of all who have died in Christ, and thank you that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.

Silence

Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them; Who put their trust in you.

We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.

Silence

Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; in your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone; and so uphold us by your Spirit that we may live and serve you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Silence

Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen. Alleluia!”

Do: Give to refugees and/or purchase a Survival Kit for Fleeing Moms & Kids

*Sunday Scripture readings are taken from Year A of the Revised Common Lectionary. Daily Scripture readings are taken from the 1979 Book of Common Prayer and include both Morning and Evening Psalms (Year 1).

Playlists for Advent

  • Because there are so many gorgeous songs about the Annunciation, I've created a special playlist for that theme: ANNUNCIATION.

  • Of the hundreds of playlists I've created on Spotify, this one has the most likes (over 1,600!): ADVENT INSTRUMENTAL.

See All Meditations from Advent Daybook 2022 here
Listen to Advent daybook 2022 playlist here
AdventTamara Hill MurphyAdvent Daybook 2018, [Look.Listen.Pray.Do.], visual art, Joshua Banner, prayer, all peoples