He [John] went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.’
Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.
And all people will see God’s salvation.”
(LUKE 3:3-6)
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
(ISAIAH 9:6)
Prayer Guide Introduction
In the month leading up to his birth lots of preparation happened for Jesus’ arrival. His parents were anticipating his arrival and while Joseph was getting the household ready (maybe he was building a cradle?), Mary’s heart and body were preparing to offer to the world what would be her greatest gift: her son.
The heavenlies were preparing for the birth as well. Angels were getting ready, some would go to an animal shelter to stand guard over the young family, others would be sent to a field full of sheep and shepherds to sing about the birth, while still more remained in the heavens preparing for battle.
To be prepared simply means to make ready, to be certain that the necessary steps have been taken and the groundwork has been laid for whatever might be coming.
Like Mary and Joseph as well as the host of angels, we want to spend this season we call Advent making ready: preparing our hearts and minds and souls, as well as our intentions, to be focused on Jesus alone.
The following is a daily prayer guide. It connects the traditional Advent themes (Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace) and offers a way to engage those themes with the sole purpose of making ourselves ready. You’ll find daily entries, scripture to read and pray through, and questions to consider. Saturdays have been set aside for rest and reflection, and on Sundays we will celebrate together in our worship gatherings.
We have found that the best way to pray through scripture is to read it more than once. On the first reading, read it to yourself, for the second pass, read it aloud, and then finally for your third reading, try and approach the scripture as a prayer – listening for what the Lord might be inviting you to (connected to the theme for that week).
It is our hope that our entire church (from every site!) spends time each day making ready during this Advent season.
We’ll be following a daily rhythm that asks us to…
- RELEASE the distractions and present concerns that could you keep you from fully engaging
- RECEIVE the word of Grace the Lord offers during your prayerful reading of the scripture, and then,
- RETURN back to the day and commitments at hand, with the truth God has invited you to in your heart and mind.
