An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?

For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.

Look: Nativity, unknown

Listen: “The Blessings of Mary” from The Sounding Joy, Elizabeth Mitchell & Friends

Read: Isaiah 62:6-12, Psalm 97, Titus 3:4-7, Luke 2:1-7, 8-20

Pray: ” O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.” (Book of Common Prayer, Collect for the Fourth Sunday in Advent)

Do: Listen to the live radio broadcast of King’s College Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols this morning.

AdventTamara Hill MurphyDecember 24, 2018Advent Daybook 2018, [Look.Listen.Pray.Do.], Christmas Eve

Advent Daybook, 22: O Emmanuel (God Is With Us)

An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?

For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.

Look: Annunciation, 1610, El Greco

Listen: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” from Medieval Christmas, Kemper Crabb

Read: Genesis 49:10, Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:20b-23, Luke 1:46-55

Pray: “Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.”

Do: Bless someone you know who’s had a difficult year with a secret gift.

Advent Daybook, 21: O Rex Gentium (King of the Nations)

An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?

For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.

Look: Jesus Rides A White Horse, James B. Janknegt (source)

Listen: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” from Nine Lessons & Carols, The Choir of King’s College (Stephen Cleobury)

Read: Jeremiah 10:6-7, Haggai 2:6-9, Isaiah 2:2-4, 9:5, Ephesians 2:17-22, Matthew 21:33-42

Pray: O come, Desire of nations, bind in one the hearts of humankind; O bid our sad divisions cease, and be for us our Prince of Peace.”

Do: Spend at least 15 minutes sitting in silence. Don’t try to make anything happen during the time. Just be.

Advent Daybook, 20: O Oriens (Radiant Dawn)

An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?

For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.

Look: Grace Vessel — With Healing in His Wings, Grace Carol Bomer (source)

Listen: “There’s A Light” from Light of the Stable, Emmylou Harris

Read: Psalm 139:11-12, Hebrews 1:1-3, Malachi 4:1-3, Isaiah 9:1, 58:8-10, 60:1-3, 19, Revelation 22:16, Luke 1:78-79

Pray: “O come, O Dayspring from on high, and cheer us by your drawing nigh; disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death's dark shadow put to flight.”

Do: Turn off electric lights and technology for the evening.

AdventTamara Hill MurphyDecember 21, 2018Advent Daybook 2018, [Look.Listen.Pray.Do.], O Antiphons, Malcolm Guite, CIVA, healing

Advent Daybook, 19: O Clavis David (Key of David)

An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?

For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.

Look: Religion In Prison, 2002-03, Serge Levy (source)

Listen: “O Holy Night / Hallelujah” from Oh For Joy, David Crowder Band

Read: Isaiah 22:22-23, 9:2-7, Revelation 3:7, 11-12, Matthew 16:13-19

Pray: “O come, O Key of David, come, and open wide our heavenly home; make safe the way that leads on high, and close the path to misery.”

Do: Get involved with Equal Justice Initiative (or a similar organization).

Advent Daybook, 18: O Radix Jesse (Root of Jesse)

An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?

For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.

Look: O Root, Ansgar Holmberg of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (source)

Listen: “Isaiah 11” from Waiting Songs, Rain for Roots

Read: Isaiah 10:33-11:2a, 11:5-10, Isaiah 52:13-15, Habakkuk 2:3, Romans 15:7-9,12, Luke 1:26-33, Revelation 5:5

Pray: “O come, O Rod of Jesse free, Thine own from Satan's tyranny; From depths of hell Thy people save, And give them victory o'er the grave.”

Do: Eliminate an unnecessary daily habit in order to offer more room for God to fill today.

Advent Daybook, 17: O Adonai (LORD & Ruler of Israel)

An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?

For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.

Look: Simeon with Infant Jesus, Petr Brandl (source)

Listen: “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” from Silent Night, Red Mountain Church

Read: Psalm 119:55, Isaiah 11:3b-5, 33:21-22, Exodus 19:9, 16-19, 20:1-6, Mathew 2:5-6

Pray: “O come, O come, great Lord of might, who to your tribes on Sinai's height in ancient times once gave the law, in cloud and majesty and awe.”

Do: Read the 10 Commandments again slowly. Then talk to a trusted friend about any ways you’ve sinned against God and others. Receive the forgiveness of our Savior Jesus.

Advent Daybook, 16: O Sapientia, (Wisdom)

An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?

For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.

Look: A Cosmic Shroud, Hubble Space Telescope image (source)

Listen: “Creator of the Stars of Night”, Gregorian Chant for Advent & Christmas, Gregorian Chant Schola of Saint Meinrad Archabbey

Read: Proverbs 8:1,22-36, Isaiah 11:2-3a, I Corinthians 1:26-31, John 1:1-5

Pray: “O come, O Wisdom from on high, who orders all things mightily; to us the path of knowledge show, and teach us in her ways to go.”

Do: Spend 5-15 minutes in complete silence, listening to God.

Advent Daybook, 15: With Thanksgiving

An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?

For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.

Look: The Holy Family with Saint Elizabeth, the Young John the Baptist and Two Angels, Raphael

Listen: “I Am Sure I Shall See the Goodness of the Lord” from Christe Lux Mundi, Taizé

Read: Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18

Pray: “Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.” (Book of Common Prayer, Collect for the Third Sunday in Advent)

Do: For the next 7 days of Advent, we’ll be joining in with countless Christians over the centuries who pray the “O Antiphons” the week before Christmas. Read some of the history in the links provided.

Advent Daybook, 14: Fulfillment

An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?

For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.

Look: Reconciliation Stained Glass Window in St. John’s Church, Tralee, Ireland, Thomas Denny

Listen: “The Trumpet Child” from The Trumpet Child, Over the Rhine

Read: Psalm 42, 43, Isaiah 8:1-15, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18, Luke 22:31-38

Pray: from Advent (1851), Christian Rossetti

Do: Fill your house with natural fragrance today.

Advent Daybook, 13: Served

An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?

For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.

Look: Are You Being Served?, Stephen Towns (source)

Listen: “Pretty Home” from And Glory Shone Around, The Rose Ensemble

Read: Psalm 35, Isaiah 7:10-25, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5, Luke 22:14-30

Pray: "A Litany of Thanksgiving", Book of Common Prayer

Do: Add honey to your tea or toast today.

AdventTamara Hill MurphyDecember 14, 2018Advent Daybook 2018, [Look.Listen.Pray.Do.], visual art

Advent Daybook, 12: Trust and Do Good

An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?

For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.

Look: A violinist plays in the rubble of Jonah’s tomb, Muhammad Hamed (source)

Listen: “Carol of the Birds” from Christmas Songs, Fernando Ortega

Read: Psalm 37, Isaiah 7:1-9; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, Luke 22:1-13

Pray: “God of timeless grace, you fill us with joyful expectation. Make us ready for the message that prepares the way, that with uprightness of heart and holy joy we may eagerly await the kingdom of your Son, Jesus Christ, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.” (Revised Common Lectionary Prayers)

Do: Help Syrian farmers dig out from war and drought.

Advent Daybook, 11: Woe

An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?

For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.

Look: Frieze of Prophets, North Wall, 1895, John Singer Sargent

Listen: “Let All Mortal Flesh” from Salvation Is Created, Bifrost Arts Music

Read: Psalm 119:25-48, Isaiah 6:1-13, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12, John 7:53-8:11

Pray & Do: Talk with someone about the word or phrase that inspired or puzzled you from today’s Scripture readings.

Advent Daybook, 10: Delight

An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?

For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.

Look: Christmas Dance, Henri Masson (source)

Listen: Listen: “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” from A Christmas Cornucopia, Annie Lennox

Read: Psalm 36, Isaiah 5:13-17, 24-25, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28, Luke 21:29-38

Pray: "Father in heaven, we thank you that we may feel your leading, your lordship, for you have blessed us with every spiritual and heavenly gift in Christ. We thank you that we may be among those who receive true life always anew, who praise and glorify you, exulting even in difficult days. For it is just in the difficult days that we need to belong to those who are thankful and joyful, who always find new certainty in their lives. With them may we experience the good you give on earth so that humankind may be blest and come at last into your hands. Amen.” (source)

Do: Enjoy an impromptu chuckle with a friend today.

Advent Daybook, 9: Startled

An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?

For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.

Look: Daniel O. Stolpe, The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, 1995 (source)

Listen: "Keep Your Lamps” from That Eternal Day, Cantus

Read: Psalm 9, 15, Isaiah 5:8-12,18-23, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Luke 21:20-28

Pray: Prayers of the People (Form 6), Book of Common Prayer

Do: Refrain from a favorite beverage, dessert, or entire meal today.

Advent Daybook, 8: Messenger

An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?

For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.

Look: Piero di Cosimo (Piero di Lorenzo di Piero d'Antonio), The Young Saint John the Baptist, 1480

Listen: "Prepare the Way” from 30 Songs of Contemplative Worship, Simply Taizé

Read: Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:67-79, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6

Pray: “Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Book of Common Prayer, Collect for Second Sunday of Advent)

Do: Attend a live performance or listen to a quality recording of Handel’s Messiah.

AdventTamara Hill MurphyDecember 9, 2018Advent Daybook 2018, [Look.Listen.Pray.Do.], handel, music

Advent Daybook, 7: Remaining In Zion

An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?

For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.

Look: Meg Hitchcock, Shema - Letters cut from the Koran, 2014 (source)

Listen: "Mt. Zion” from Live At Home, Cageless Birds (feat. Jonathan David Helser)

Read: Psalm 116-117, Isaiah 4:2–6, 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18, Luke 21:5–19

Pray: from Inscriptions, 16: "The lamps are burning in the synagogue", Charles Reznikoff

Do: Spend 10 minutes quietly observing the night sky.

AdventTamara Hill MurphyDecember 8, 2018Advent Daybook 2018, [Look.Listen.Pray.Do.], Hannukah, poetry, textiles, Jerusalem

Advent Daybook, 6: My God, My God

An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?

For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.

Look: A Senegalese woman kneels in front of a grave, 2017 (source)

Listen: “Comfort, Comfort Ye My People ” from Advent & Christmas 2015, The Many

Read: Psalm 22, Isaiah 3:8–15, 1 Thessalonians 4:1–12, Luke 20:41—21:4

Pray: "Lord our God, Almighty Father in heaven, we stand before you as your children, whom you want to protect through the need of our time, through all sin and death. We praise you for giving us so much peace in an age full of trouble, and for granting us the assurance of your help. Even when we suffer, we do not want to remain in the darkness of suffering but want to rise up to praise and glorify you. For your kingdom is coming; it is already at hand. Your kingdom comforts and helps us and points the way for the whole world, that your will may be done on earth as in heaven. Amen.” (source)

Do: Find joy in giving a simple gift to a friend or stranger you’d like to bless.

Advent Daybook, 5: Day of the Lord

An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?

For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.

Look: Angel of the Revelation, Vladimir Suchanek (source)

Listen: "Behold the Mountain of the Lord” from Very God, Godfrey Birtill

Read: Psalm 18, Isaiah 2:12–22, 1 Thessalonians 3:1–13, Luke 20:27–40

Pray: "Dear Father in heaven, we rejoice that you are our Father. We rejoice that you rule and guide each of us so that our path in life leads to what is good and genuine and we do not get stuck in this or that concern. Lead us, renew us, and again and again free us to go forward, finding new courage and joy for ourselves and for our fellowmen. Then we can praise you, your strength and power can be revealed to us, your heaven come down to earth, and your will be done on earth. Here on earth your help shall come to the poor, the weak, the lowly, the sick, and the suffering. May your name be praised! We rejoice in your name. Amen.” (source)

Do: Today is the Feast Day of Nichols, the Bishop of Myra! Give thanks for the life of the real Saint Nick today.

Advent Daybook, 4: Savior of the Nations Come

An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?

For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.

Look: Love One Another, Laura James (source)

Listen: "Savior of the Nations Come” from Advent No. 2, Holy City Hymns

Read: Psalm 12, 13, 14, Isaiah 2:1–11, 1 Thessalonians 2:13–20, Luke 20:19–26

Pray: On Thursdays through Advent we’ll practice a 5-minute contemplative prayer method adapted from Joshua Banner’s booklet “40 Ways To Spend 5 Minutes With God”.

Do: Re-write Psalm 13:5-6 in your own words to pray throughout the day.

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