Endings and Beginnings
Advent Meditations and Call to Prayer
WEEK THREE: Subversive God
Scripture Focus:
“Strengthen the weak hands,
and make firm the feeble knees.
Say to those who are of a feeble heart,
“Be strong, do not fear!
Here is your God.
He will come with vengeance,
with terrible recompense.
He will come and save you.” (Isaiah 35:3-4)
Prayer for Illumination
(pray each day before reading the scriptures we hear in worship Sunday: Isaiah 35:1-10; Luke 1:46b-55; James 7:10; Matthew 11:2-11)
Lord God, in this dry and dusty place,
pour out the power of your Spirit
so that your Word may blossom in our lives;
through Jesus Christ, our way in the wilderness. Amen.
Prayers of Intercession
Remember your mercy, O Lord, and help us,
(What do you want God to help you with?)
according to the promise of your steadfast love.
Let all generations see your blessing,
(pray for children born and yet to be born)
for your name is holy and your mercy is great.
Show the strength of your hand,
and lift the burdens of the poor.
(How is God using you to lift the burdens of the poor?)
Work wonders for the humble,
and scatter the plans of the proud.
(Pray for God’s will be to be done.)
Look with favor upon the lowly,
and cast down tyrants from their thrones.
(Who but God is enthroned? Pray for humility.)
Fill the hungry with good things,
and empty the hands of the greedy.
(Examine your hands.)
Then we will sing out with joy and glorify you forever;
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Adapted from Feasting on the Word, Worship Companion, 2013.
READINGS FOR ADVENT 4: Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7;17-19; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25