Praying Isaiah 61:1-4

πŸ””

I join with all who are praying *

to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, ever faithful to your promises, your faithful people rejoice in hope of the Saviour's coming and look forward with longing to his return at the end of the age. *

Help us to drink of this truth and expand our hearts with the joy of his promises, so that we may serve you in constant hope. We ask this through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

- Fr. Peter Hocken, Litany of the Coming of the King in Glory

Observe a time of silence before the Lord

(1 – 5 minutes)

πŸ””

Scriptural Theme

There is a coming day of the vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion.

Sing to the Lord a song of praise

(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)

πŸ””

Praying Isaiah 61:1-4 (New International Version)

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. *

They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.

Response to the Scripture

You will pour out Your Spirit on all flesh, and everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.

Draw near to God’s throne of grace

with the thanksgivings, prayers, & intercessions that are on your heart

πŸ””

The Spirit and the Bride say *

β€œCome!”

Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly. *

There is a coming day of the vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion.

Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song

(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)

πŸ””

Ending Prayer

O my soul, be mindful of that awesome day, and wake up and light your lamp with the oil of joy, for you do not know when the voice will call upon you saying: "Behold, the Bridegroom is coming." *

So, take heed, my soul, not to fall asleep, lest you stand outside knocking like the five foolish virgins. But watch, entreating that you may meet Christ the Lord with rich oil, and He may grant you the wedding of His true and heavenly glory.

- The Agpeya of the Coptic Church

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

( Adapted by Christ the Reconciler from Season 1: Advent Bridge Prayer – β€œLonging for the Messiah to come” )