Advent Art Prayer 11
Away in a manger
No crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down His sweet head
The stars in the bright sky
Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay
Emmanuel,
You come into our lives in surprising and humble ways.
You don’t require fame or glory.
You don’t judge us by our size or wealth.
You don’t need us to be popular or busy.
Instead of needing something from us, you come to us.
Help us to see you in our lives.
Help us to see you in the humble eyes of others.
May we see you in the quiet spirit of neighbors.
Help us to know you as deeply as you know us.
Help us to find the quiet spaces in our lives to listen deeply
to the sound of your voice calling us your very own - a beloved child.
In the name of the one who came in a manager we pray.
Amen
Practice Deeper Listening
Inhale:
Be near me Lord Jesus
Exhale:
I ask you to stay
Inhale:
Close by me forever
Exhale:
And love me I pray
For Deeper Listening
Where do you feel God by you most closely?
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.