This prayer is intended to be said aloud with other people, whether it be a group or just you and your roommate, with the bold parts being said jointly and the others said by just one. Before beginning the prayer take a minute or two of silence to center your whole self on the presence of God. 

Lord, we come before you, grateful to come into your presence.

Despite your eternity, you are not a God of distance, but a God of closeness.

Draw near to us, as we draw near to you. (James 4:7)

As we exit this season of Advent, may we remember the gift of hope your first coming brought.

May we remember your promise that though the physical world may lean towards entropy,

You have established a spiritual order that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28)

One that we belong to now, as spiritual children . (1 John 3:3)

As we wait for that hope to be fully realized,

Open our hearts to see the possibilities to bring that hope to those around us now.

Lord, may it be so.

Forgive us for the times we allow our identity as your children and heirs to lead us into entitlement,       (Luke 15:11-14)

Lord, please forgive us.

For the times when we act selfishly

Lord, please forgive us.

For the times when we press down and destroy, unintentionally or not

Lord, please forgive us.

For the times when we fail to realize the humanity you have called us to     (Matthew 5:3-11)

Lord, please forgive us.

For the times when we strive to be that which you have not instilled in us         (Romans 8:9)

Lord, please forgive us.

In this time of reflection and confession, we pray that through the practice

We are realigned to your will

Lord, please give us peace.

Lord, we recall the greatest of love we could receive: (John 15:13)

You, broken and bloodied, hanging on a cross.

We thank you for your inseparable love.

May we grow in that love,

Allowing it to bring melody where there is static,

Fruit from bare branches,     (Genesis 15:3-4)

Water from the rock .         (Exodus 17:6)

We thank you for the life your love brings.

Let our gratitude lead us deeper into your love

Recognizing more fully the what your sacrifice means to us,

So that we also might lay down our lives for others. (Luke 9:23)

We turn our minds to the joy you provide

That though we are surrounded by brokenness       (Psalm 57:4-5)

The brokenness is not eternal

Only you are.

There is joy in the morning.           (Psalm 30:5)

There is joy in the mourning.

Our nights and trials are not eternal.   (Psalm 42)

Only you are.

Lord, we fix our focus on you

And your promises

To light the path before us.       (Psalm 119:105)

We are incapable of being the light we need,     (John 1:4)

Only you are. 

So we wait for your return, Lord Jesus

When the hope, the peace, the love, the joy

That you established

Culminates into its final promise,   (Revelation 21:1-4)

When the world is revived 

And the fullness of your glory is realized.

Lord, may it be so.