Advent prayer 11
Heavenly Father,
Clouds form, and water streams down from the heavens. Wind and hail clash; the birds of the air seek cover in the trees and bushes. A great noise is heard, and all the earth waits; what wonder will come with the birth of a baby in a manger?
Every day, something catastrophic occurs– heavy snow, tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, and great rains. We prepared as best we could but were often not ready for what came. Yet you told us so plainly in scripture; all things are possible. Do not worry. I know every hair on your head. I formed you. I created you in my image. I will not abandon you.
Father, I know being prepared is dotting my I’s and crossing my T’s. It’s writing out lists and checking them twice. It’s waiting for the perfect moment and planning to provide the best I can.
Today, you ask me to think only about my heart and how ready it is to receive you at Christmas. I get it – you want my heart and soul in the best possible position to receive you fully. When was my last confession? Did I say I’m sorry for thinking those critical thoughts? Did I make up for being so short in my words when answering a question? Was I so busy on my phone I ignored the person in front of me? Did I need to eat so many snacks?
You know, you saw. You call me to repent, to clean the temple of your spirit. Yet this temple, my body, it betrays and convinces me otherwise. Sometimes, I think it is in cahoots with the evil one.
Please help me, Father, to say no to the things that put a distance between you and me; help me to choose the things that honor you and give you all glory. As I think about how much ground I give to my weaknesses, I ask you to shore me up in these next two weeks to strengthen my foundation in you. Perfect your love in me, so it may spill out like the brightness of the Star that will shine over Bethlehem on the night of your Son’s birth.
Please show me how, who, and where to help others, to give of myself without thinking of the cost, and prepare as best I can. But also Father, to not hold back or worry if I’m not ready, but to act in your name without being fully prepared. Your grace will cover me; it will be enough. Come and be in my heart, mind, and soul so I can do nothing but act in your image and likeness. Amen.
Come, Lord Jesus