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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
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)
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Scriptural Theme
All these are the beginning of birth pains.
Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)
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Praying Matthew 24:3-14 (New International Version)
As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately."Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" *
Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.
Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, *
but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
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. *
All these are the beginning of birth pains.
Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song
(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)
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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” )