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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
My heart and my flesh cry out for You, the living God.
Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)
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Praying Psalm 84 1-2 (New International Version)
How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
Response to the Scripture
O come, Thou Key of David, come
And open wide our heav'nly home;
Make straight the way that leads on high
That e'er Thy people may dwell at Thy side.
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. *
My heart and my flesh cry out for You, the living God.
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” )