Endings and Beginnings
Advent Meditations and Call to Prayer
WEEK TWO: (re) Created By God
Scripture Focus:
“While Jesus was living in the Galilean Hills, John, called “the Baptizer” was preaching in the desert country of Judea. His message was simple and austere, like his desert surroundings: “Change your life. God’s Kingdom is here!” (Matthew 3:1-2, The MESSAGE)
Prayer for the Week
Let us lay before God and one another the distances between us. For if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves. Yet, in mercy, God will forgive us and renew us.
Gracious and welcoming God,
have mercy on your people.
We confess that we have a hard time
believing that you became flesh to live among us.
We so easily forget your word and find ourselves
turning away from you, looking elsewhere for love.
We are blind; we do not see our neighbors, families, and friends
as beloved children you have made.
In your mercy, forgive us,
for we repent of our ways
and look to your power
to heal us and raise us up,
so that, at last, you will gather us to you
and give us peace. Amen.
Pray for yourself. Pray for your family. Pray for the church. Pray for the world.
The kingdom of God has come near!
You are forgiven.
Be filled with hope,
believing in the power of the crucified and risen Christ
to re-create you.
Rejoice and believe!
Questions for Reflection:
This week, take a look in the mirror. Make a list of all the changes that have occurred in Bahama/ the world/ church/your life/household since last Advent. Where do you see need for repentance? Where do you see evidence that God’s Kingdom is breaking in? What aspects of your life reflect God’s Kingdom?
Prayer adapted from Feasting on the Word, Worship Companion, 2013.
READINGS FOR ADVENT 3:
Isaiah 35:1-10; Luke 1:47-55; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11