Advent Art Prayer 6
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots, a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.
God of the branches,
You grow deeply in our lives.
Take root in our hearts so we might see those in need during this season of light and respond with the love of Christ.
Take root in our hearts so we might seek justice for your poor.
Take root.
Grow deeply.
Change us for good.
Help us bear fruit that strengthens your kingdom and brings justice and peace to all the world.
Amen
Practice Deeper Listening
Inhale:
Grow deeply
Exhale:
Take root in my life
Inhale:
Change me for good
Exhale:
Help me seek peace
For Deeper Listening
Make a list of the ways you have felt growth in your life during this year. Give thanks to God that you continue to mature in your faith.
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.