Advent Daybook, 9: Every house is shut up so that none can enter
My Advent daybook for these 24 days of waiting. Join me, won't you? (see previous Advent daybook 2016 posts here)
A Flower Farm Blooms From An Abandoned House in Detroit (source)
We Will Feast in the House of Zion by Sandra McCracken (lyrics here)
all readings for this day: Psalm 21; Isaiah 24:1-16a; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
“The wasted city is broken down;
every house is shut up so that none can enter.
There is an outcry in the streets for lack of wine;
all joy has grown dark;
the gladness of the earth is banished.
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But there are some who will break into glad song.
Out of the west they’ll shout of God’s majesty.
Yes, from the east God’s glory will ascend.”
prayer for the day:
“God our Father, help us to please you, not in a dogged religious plod, but in a living, spirited dance. Thank you for the guidelines you’ve given us from our Master Jesus. Thank you for the Spirit who helps us to understand that you want us to live a pure life.
Keep us from sexual promiscuity.
Help us learn to appreciate and give dignity to our bodies, not abusing them, as is so common among those who know nothing of God.
Keep us from running roughshod over the concerns of our brothers and sisters. Show us by your Spirit that their concerns are Your concerns, and You will take care of them.
Help us heed the warnings in Your Word and through your people that You haven’t invited us into a disorderly, unkempt life but into something holy and beautiful—as beautiful on the inside as the outside.
We repent of all the times we have disregarded this advice, when we not only offended our neighbors, but rejected You God, who has made us a gift of Your Holy Spirit.
Regarding life together and getting along with each other, thank You for teaching us through your Word and your people. Strengthen us to just love one another! Thank You for all of the times You’ve already made us able to give and receive love from our friends. Help us, Spirit of God, to keep it up and help us get better and better at it.
Help us, Father, to stay calm; to mind our own business; and to do our own job. Remind us of this when we are quick to forget. We want to keep living in a way that will command the respect of outsiders, and in the strength of Your promises to each one of us, not just relying on the faith and deeds of others, sponging off our friends.
We pray this until the day of the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.”
Make dinner for someone in need or visit someone who is lonely today.
(see all Advent daybook posts from 2015 here)