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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
I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.
Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)
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Praying Revelation 6:9-11 (New International Version)
When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, "How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?"
Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters, were killed just as they had been.
Response to the Scripture
O come, Desire of Nations, bind
As one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease
And be to us our prince of peace.
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. *
I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.
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” )