Advent Art Prayer 23
God of Love,
Look with favor on your servant.
It can be difficult to believe that you do look with favor on us.
You give the gift of your Son and we can’t always see it - or rather believe that you might lavish us with this kind of love and trust.
May my soul proclaim your greatness.
May my soul boldly sing the joy of being claimed and beloved.
You fill my heart with all I need.
May I see it.
May I feel it.
May I proclaim it.
Thank you for the greatness of your grace - your Son - your love.
Amen
Luke 1:46-56
Mary’s Song
46 And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
Practice Deeper Listening
Inhale:
My soul proclaims
Exhale:
Your greatness, God.
Inhale:
May my spirit
Exhale:
Rejoice in you.
For Deeper Listening
This about how God is calling you to proclaim the good news of God’s love to others. Make a list or write yourself a note to help you process it.
Establish your Advent Practice.
Step 1: Set up a space in your home for your Advent readings. Make it comfortable. Add a candle. Perhaps next to your tree or at a table with a little festive placemat.
Step 2: Determine two times of the day when you might practice them so that if you miss the first one, you can lean into the second and not feel guilty.
Step 3: Each time you sit down to practice your Advent devotion, make a warm cup of something and begin with a couple of moments of silence and deep breathing. Close your eyes and breath in deeply the love of God for you. Ask the Spirit to join you. Then begin your readings.
Step 4: Have a little prayer journal nearby where you can list the things that stick with you or stand out to you during your devotion.
Step 5: Close your time with a couple of moments of silent deep breathing, thanking God for the love and grace that are freely given to you that claims you as God’s own.