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I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
As we prepare our house for the coming Christmas season, we would also prepare our hearts for the returning Christ. *
You came once for your people, O Lord,
and you will come for us again.
Though there was no room at the inn
to receive you upon your first arrival,*
We would prepare you room
here in our hearts
and here in our home,
Lord Christ.
- Every Moment Holy
Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)
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Scriptural Theme
How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them?
Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)
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Praying Matthew 9:14-16 (New International Version)
Then John's disciples came and asked him, "How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?" *
Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."
Response to the Scripture
O come thou, Wisdom from on high
And order all things far and nigh;
To us the path of knowledge show
And lead us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to Thee, O Israel
Draw near to God’s throne of grace
with the thanksgivings, prayers, & intercessions that are on your heart
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The Spirit and the Bride say *
“Come!”
Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly. *
How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them?
Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song
(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)
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Ending Prayer
As we decorate our tree, and as we
feast and laugh and sing together,
we are rehearsing our coming joy!
We are making ready to receive the one
who has already, with open arms, received us!*
We would prepare you room
here in our hearts
and here in our home,
Lord Christ.
Now we celebrate your first coming,
Immanuel, even as we long for your return.
O Prince of Peace, our elder brother,
return soon.
We miss you so ...
- Every Moment Holy
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 – “Longing for the Messiah to come” )