Week Two: Prepare the Way Second Sunday of Advent December 7, 2014 Read Isaiah 40:1-­‐11. Refrain: “But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.” 2 Peter 3:13 Reflect on Isaiah 40:1-­‐11. “The Power of a Compassionate God” Pope Francis is not only the spiritual leader of over one billion members of the Catholic Church. He is also the ruler of Vatican City, a sovereign state with its own borders, government, police force, and treasury. He commands great authority and travels the world with all of the trappings of a head of state. Many are amazed, therefore, at reports that the pope at times goes out late at night dressed as an ordinary priest to feed and visit the homeless of Rome. This combination of power and compassion is a shock to the way the world operates. In Isaiah 40, the prophet announced that the LORD would come with great power to comfort the downtrodden people of Jerusalem. He would care for his people like a shepherd who gathers his lambs in his arms (verse 11). Jesus’ coming to earth in great humility, taking on the form of a servant, demonstrates the power of holiness that distinguishes God from the false powers of the world. We can recognize the power of God at work in places where the neglected are honored and the brokenhearted are comforted. Questions for application: Where do you see the power of God at work in the world today? If you had to choose between showing power or showing compassion, which would you choose? “But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.” Prayer Isaiah 40:3-­‐4 Like the flowers of the field, our faithfulness wavers, blowing with every breeze and withering in the heat. We are inconstant and imperfect. We proclaim compassion, but leave those in the valley low, crying out for bread. We proclaim justice, but leave the lofty high above the lowly. We proclaim the Lord with our lips, but do not prepare the way with our lives. Forgive our hypocrisy, and level our hearts, Lord, that we may serve you. Amen. “But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.” Read Mark 1:1-­‐8. Hymn of Preparation: Lord, Speak to Me, That I May Speak Monday December 8, 2014 Morning Prayer God of timeless grace, you fill me with joyful expectation. Make me ready for the message that prepares the way for your Son. With the best of my heart and the holy joy you give, I eagerly await the kingdom of Jesus Christ, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen. Evening Prayer I have prepared. I have cried out. I have yearned for your comforting presence in this darkened world, and I wait expectantly for your promise of justice and righteousness to ring true. At the end of another day, I have peace, for I know that you are bringing deliverance and restoration. Amen. Tuesday December 9, 2014 Morning Prayer Your patience abounds as you move in a time that is all your own. John told of your coming the first time, but who will be your herald now? Today I will proclaim your power, shout of your faithfulness and declare your steadfast love for all generations. Prepare me to be your mouth piece. Amen. Evening Prayer I have prepared. I have cried out. I have yearned for your comforting presence in this darkened world, and I wait expectantly for your promise of justice and righteousness to ring true. At the end of another day, I have peace, for I know that you are bringing deliverance and restoration. Amen. Wednesday December 10, 2014 Morning Prayer God of hope, you call me from the exile my sin has placed me in with the good news of restoration; you build a highway through the wilderness and you come to me and bring me home. Comfort me with the expectation of your saving power which is made known to all in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Evening Prayer I have prepared. I have cried out. I have yearned for your comforting presence in this darkened world, and I wait expectantly for your promise of justice and righteousness to ring true. At the end of another day, I have peace, for I know that you are bringing deliverance and restoration. Amen. Thursday December 11, 2014 Morning Prayer God of hope, you raised up John the baptizer as a herald who calls us to conversion. As I joyfully await the glorious coming of Christ, I pray to you for the needs of the church and the world. Today I pray for… Hear my humble prayer, that I may serve you in holiness and faith and give a voice to your presence among us until the day of the coming of Jesus. Amen. Evening Prayer I have prepared. I have cried out. I have yearned for your comforting presence in this darkened world, and I wait expectantly for your promise of justice and righteousness to ring true. At the end of another day, I have peace, for I know that you are bringing deliverance and restoration. Amen. Friday December 12, 2014 Morning Prayer Today I rest quietly in your comforting presence. Your holiness stills my heart and calms my soul. This week has been one of preparation for your arrival and loud declarations about who you are and what you will do, but in the silence I humbly present myself. Like John, I am not worthy to tie your sandals, yet you have called me your child. Father, you chose me, made me and sustain me. I am thankful to be yours. Amen. Evening Prayer I have prepared. I have cried out. I have yearned for your comforting presence in this war-­‐torn and broken world. I wait expectantly for your promise of justice and righteousness to ring true. At the ending of another day, I have peace, for I know that you are bringing deliverance and restoration. Amen. Saturday December 13, 2014 Morning Prayer Stir within me, O God, the call to be compassionate, and deepen my spirit of care for those whom I encounter each and every day. Give me the grace to see those around me who are brokenhearted. Guide me in staying with them in their season of need. Grant me courage to help them in all the ways they need it and to be your servant on this earth. Amen. Evening Prayer I have prepared. I have cried out. I have yearned for your comforting presence in this darkened world, and I wait expectantly for your promise of justice and righteousness to ring true. At the end of another day, I have peace, for I know that you are bringing deliverance and restoration. Amen.