Advent Art Prayer 24
Jesus, Lord,
This new day dawns with your grace.
We rise to what we think this day will bring, knowing it may take a turn without our permission.
The noise of life absorbs us.
We get lost in it - overcome by all that we need to be doing.
Your grace during this advent season is a reminder to pause.
May we find some silence this night.
A silence that reminds us of your light and love.
A silence that allows us to sit with you. To listen to you.
To know, with peace and certainty, that you are here.
Amen
Silent Night
Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child.
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia,
Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born
Silent night, holy night!
Son of God love's pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth
Practice Deeper Listening
Inhale:
Silent Night.
Exhale:
Holy Night.
Inhale:
Son of God
Exhale:
Love’s Pure Light
For Deeper Listening
Light a candle and find your favorite version of Silent Night somewhere. Listen and then pause for silence and reflection.
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.