Advent Prayers, Week 2

Daily Prayers for Advent written by New Songers

ADVENT II

Isaiah 40:1-11

"Comfort, O comfort my people," says your God. "Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins." A voice cries out: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken." A voice says, "Cry out!" And I said, "What shall I cry?" All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever. Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald
of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, "Here is your God!" See, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.

2 Peter 3:8-15a, 18

Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be
disclosed. Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home. Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be
found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Mark 1:1-8

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, "See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,'" John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild.honey. He proclaimed, "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

Advent II - Monday

"See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,'" Mark 1:2b-3

God of faith, let us hear the message from the messenger, help us to prepare a way within our hearts, minds and souls. Give us the grace to discern the paths that our lives should follow.

Let us take the opportunity during Advent to listen for God's message. Take some time to listen and reflect in silence.

Advent II - Tuesday

"Comfort, O comfort my people," says your God. "Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins." Isaiah 40:1-2

God of peace, remember the conflicts that divide the world. Provide comfort to those who are the innocent, caught up in the strife of political interests. We pray for continued peace processes in all parts of our world.

To understand the reason for conflict, let us reflect on how religion is too often used as a political and cultural force. Let us then pray that the forces of many faiths united may bring us together into one peace.

Advent II - Wednesday

"A voice says, "Cry out!" And I said, "What shall I cry?"
Isaiah 40:6

God of wisdom, help us not to be complacent, but help us to be active. Let us be mindful that our government is our voice and we are the government. Let us voice our concerns to those whom we elect, that the decisions they make will be for the betterment of our society.

We too often let those in authority make decisions for us and sometimes we believe them to be unjust. Be mindful that when we are complacent, we let things happen. So during this political year be active in expressing social concerns.

Advent II - Thursday

"The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9

God of abundance, let us be mindful of the needs of those around us. Knowing that you are not wanting any to perish helps us see the needs in this community, and in some small way, to use our gifts.

During the holiday season we become more mindful of the needs of others. Recognize that even placing those few coins into the Salvation Army kettle does add up to help finance the services they provide and buying that extra can of food, placing it into the box, helps supply the local food bank. But after the holiday season is over community services quite often go lacking, so please remember them throughout the year.

Advent II - Friday

"But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home. Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace," 2 Peter 3:13-18

God of new things, guide us, the Community of New Song, along with the Community of Coralville as we grow in a cooperative spirit, striving for the vision of a new type of community.

As we form a new spirit of cooperation between the city, community organizations and other faith communities, keep in your prayers that we continue to forge bonds of strength in relationship.

Advent II - Saturday

"The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever."
Isaiah 40:8

God of compassion and grace, remember those who are dying, deliver them from a painful death, and remember also those who have died. Give comfort to those who love them, for as the grass withers and the flower fades we know that your compassion is ever among us.

During the times of loss, let us remember the joy that the departed brought to our lives.

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