Today is Monday, Dec. 5, the ninth day in the Advent season.
Morning
Praise and Thanksgiving. Let’s begin by prayerfully reading Psalm 72. It speaks of a king, but much of it applies to Christ the King.
Let’s also praise God, simply acknowledging who God is:
“King of all Creation, we bow down before you. May the day come soon when all you have created acknowledges in one voice your supremacy. Let us hear even from those aspects of your creation destined for remaking or destruction. You are glorious and holy. May your glory shine brightly in our lives this day. Amen.”
Confession. Where have we sinned? Where have we failed to trust in God’s plan for forgiveness?
Petitions. Ask for God’s intervention, be our concerns global, national or local, in our schools, churches and communities, or in our families and homes. And certainly, let’s ask that our individual needs be fulfilled, especially where there is spiritual poverty in our hearts.
Scripture. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12. What in your life is not yet dedicated to God?
Silence.
Noon
Let’s continue to pray this prayer together daily:
“Lord, we have entered a season of expectation. We remember the Israelites’ past desire for a savior to arrive, and we mirror what they felt as we long now for the return of Jesus Christ. Come Lord Jesus, come! We pray this with some trepidation, knowing we never feel completely ready for such a day, and that loved ones around us may not be ready. And yet we continue to pray, Come Lord Jesus, come! We trust that your grace at your return will so overwhelm sin and death that all will be set right. As we pray for your full arrival, teach us how to make ourselves ready, living as watchful people. Amen.”
Night
At a minimum, let’s spend some significant time in a quiet, reflective state before retiring for the night. Embrace the day’s spiritual victories and release the failures.
If it has been a while since you tried the meditation techniques offered earlier, might this be a good night to try again?
And as you sleep, may your dreams inspire you to a deeper life with God.
Methodist Life 