🔔
I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Your joy, Abba, is inexhaustible! No wonder you love children so dearly. Children quickly and easily respond to your joy.
Your joy is pure and deep. It comes from beyond the soul. It rises from the depth of your being. This joy can wash away darkness. *
Abba, let that joy flow under the doorways of hearts. Let it wash over the retaining walls of minds. Let your joy drench the heart, mind and spirit of those who are suffering in isolation this Advent season.
Lord, make known to them how your joy is their joy. And your joy dissolves even the heaviest of hearts – it overcomes the loneliest souls. Your joy is heartfelt and honest. Your joy can be trusted. *
Bring them out of isolation and hopelessness to be drenched in your joy!
- Byron Easterling
Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)
🔔
Scriptural Theme
I will search for the one my heart loves.
Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)
🔔
Praying Song of Songs 3:1-2 (New International Version)
All night long on my bed I looked for the one my heart loves; I looked for him but did not find him. I will get up now and go about the city, through its streets and squares; I will search for the one my heart loves. So I looked for him but did not find him.
Response to the Scripture
O come, O come, Thou Lord of Might,
As to Thy tribes on Sinai's height
In ancient times didst give the law
In cloud and majesty and awe
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
🔔
The Spirit and the Bride say *
“Come!”
Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly. *
I will search for the one my heart loves.
Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song
(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)
🔔
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 – “Longing for the Messiah to come” )