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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
God of the watching ones, *
give us Your benediction.
God of the waiting ones, *
give us Your good word for our souls.
God of the watching ones, the waiting ones, the slow and suffering ones, *
give us Your benediction, Your good word for our souls, that we might rest.
God of the watching ones, the waiting ones, the slow and suffering ones, and of the angels in heaven, and of the child in the womb, *
give us Your benediction, Your good word for our souls, that we might rest and rise in the kindness of Your company.
- Celtic Daily Prayer
Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)
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Scriptural Theme
"Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?" says the LORD. "Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?"
Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)
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Praying Isaiah 66:7-11 (New International Version)
Before she goes into labor, she gives birth; before the pains come upon her, she delivers a son.
Who has ever heard of such things? Who has ever seen things like this? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children. *
"Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?" says the LORD. "Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?" says your God. "Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice greatly with her, all you who mourn over her.
For you will nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you will drink deeply and delight in her overflowing abundance."
Response to the Scripture
Hope of all the ends of the earth, bright and morning star; rise like the day in our hearts. Come to weary hearts - come and stay.
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. *
"Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?" says the LORD. "Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?"
Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song
(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)
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Ending Prayer
King of Glory, come and finish Your work in our cities, our peoples and our nations. We lift our voices in unison with believers from the Middle East and Europe, from North and South America, and from Australia and the Pacific Islands - together we cry: *
"Lift up your heads, O you gates! Be lifted up ancient doors so that the King of Glory may come in!”
As Your deeds increase throughout the earth, and as Your blessings abound to all the nations, they will seek You, asking: *
"Who is this King of glory?"
Together we will answer: *
"He is the Lord Almighty! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"
Come fill the earth with Your glory as the waters cover the sea. The Spirit and the Bride say: *
"Amen! Come Lord Jesus!"
- Global Day of Prayer 2009
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” )