The internet is a formidable force for bringing the comfort and consolation and hope of the Lord to all of us. It can be an incredibily powerful medium for community. There is an unfathomable resource for prayer here. We have on the 'net the privilege of praying for people and of being witness to the miracles brought forth when fervent, faith-filled people pray for one another.
Let's be that community of hope and faith for one another.
How about this idea? What if I pop in here every week, share Sunday's gospel and talk a wee bit about how we can live it and pray it in our homes? And then you tell me how we can pray for you that week? Deal?
{And please, do return and let us know how prayer is bearing fruit.}
Gospel
When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ,
he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question,
“Are you the one who is to come,
or should we look for another?”
Jesus said to them in reply,
“Go and tell John what you hear and see:
the blind regain their sight,
the lame walk,
lepers are cleansed,
the deaf hear,
the dead are raised,
and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.
And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”
As they were going off,
Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John,
“What did you go out to the desert to see?
A reed swayed by the wind?
Then what did you go out to see?
Someone dressed in fine clothing?
Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.
Then why did you go out? To see a prophet?
Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
This is the one about whom it is written:
Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;
he will prepare your way before you.
Amen, I say to you,
among those born of women
there has been none greater than John the Baptist;
yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
Think
Lord Jesus, master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day. We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!"
~Henri Nouwen
Pray
Sweet Baby Jesus, fill me with the interior joy that is your innocence and unadulterated love. Let me breathe deep of holy, infant goodness. Cover me in contented grace. Amen.
Act
Be the Peace. Advent can cause interior turmoil as we seek peace amidst the craziness of the secular world. Instead of struggling against the forces of the commercial Christmas, take a deep breath, say a prayer, and breathe out peace. See that we are a people set apart, a people who look East, to the star. Peace is not to be found in the stores and the parties and the rush. But we are to be found there. We live there and we bring Christ to those places. It's hard, I know. But stand up straight, square your shoulders, inhale grace, and smile. Now go forth, knowing that God's got this. He's stood in that line. More importantly, He's already paid the price. So, you can be a blessing to every clamoring, chaotic scene. You have Christ within you. You can be the peace.
How can I pray for you this week?
