Advent reflection day 22

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.

verses Psalm 113

Refrain: From the rising of the sun to its setting let the name of the Lord be praised.

Alleluia.
Give praise, you servants of the Lord, O praise the name of the Lord.
Blessed be the name of the Lord, from this time forth and for evermore.
Who is like the Lord our God, that has his throne so high, yet humbles himself to behold
the things of heaven and earth?

‘The verb ‘to praise’ is connected in Hebrew with the verb ‘to boast’. This connection reminds us of one of the key elements of praise – that we should boast about God, who he is and what he has done’. (Paula Gooder)

From the rising of the sun to its setting
we praise your name, O Lord;
may your promise to raise the poor from the dust
and turn the fortunes of the needy upside down
be fulfilled in our time also,
as it was in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Prayer Shared from ‘Reflection on the Psalms’ app. Material subject to copyright)

God will speak peace to his people, to those who turn to him in their hearts.

Rev. Derek Akker