Advent Art Prayer 4
There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby,
keeping watch over their flocks by night.
An angel of the Lord appeared to them.
The glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
But the angel said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will grow great joy for all people.”
Emmanuel,
You are God come down.
You are the one the angels sang of - the one who entered into our world - into our lives in glory.
We often find ourselves afraid.
We are afraid of tomorrow. We are afraid of change, of being hurt, of missing out, of being excluded.
But Emmanuel - your love never changes. You bring comfort. You give us all we need. You claim us as beloved children of God.
Thank you for the gift of life and love in you.
Thank you for coming into this world for us.
Thank you that we need not fear life or the unknown - because your grace is sure.
In your name, we pray.
Amen
Practice Deeper Listening
Inhale:
You come down
Exhale:
I need not be afraid
Inhale:
You shine brightly
Exhale:
Help me shine
For Deeper Listening
Make a list of 3 things that you fear these days and ask God to help you navigate your feelings and bring you comfort.
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.