Advent reflection day 19

Opening Prayer

Lord of light and the darkness,
May your Spirit guide our preparations for Christmas.
Help us to seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.
In our anxiety may we look forward to your coming among us and be blessed by the joy of your presence.
When we feel as if we are walking in darkness may we see your light as we say,
“Come, Lord Jesus!” Amen.

Psalm 71 3,5,6,8

Refrain: O God, be not far from me.

Be for me a stronghold to which I may ever resort; send out to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
For you are my hope, O Lord God, my confidence, even from my youth.
Upon you have I leaned from my birth, when you drew me from my mother’s womb; my praise shall be always of you.
Let my mouth be full of your praise and your glory all the day long.

These words are a call for God not to be far from us, to be our stronghold and our rock but also a reminder to be ready to praise the Lord.

Faithful Lord, living Saviour,
in youth and old age,
from the womb to the grave,
may we know your protection
and proclaim your great salvation
to the glory of God the Father.
(Prayer Shared from ‘Reflection on the Psalms’ app. Material subject to copyright)

May God the Son, coming among us in power,
reveal in our midst the promise of his glory.

Rev Derek Akker