Loving Yahweh, you desire an intimate relationship with us, as opposed to a transactional relationship requiring sacrifices. You want us to give mercy to others and for us to acknowledge you. Our hope is in you. You see through our facade. Thank you for the prophets, friends, and community you provide who call us back to you.
We gather early in the day to receive your wisdom and strength for the day. Even before we arrive, you are already in your sacred prayer space. Your teachings fill us to overflowing. You fill us with every good and wise thought.
Who can stand against you? Your ways are perfect. Your wisdom, power, grace, and mercy flow freely from your Holy Mountain. You pour out to us, each one receiving all we need, yet your storehouse remains overflowing. We marvel at your mysterious ways!
We gather in your sacred land, well-prepared and filled with your strength. We follow your wise guides onto today’s Ancient Path, singing praises to you. Your Holy Mountain is not too far away. We follow the footsteps of those who have gone before us.
“A Renewed Generation — Planted
and Protected in God’s Love”
First Sunday of Advent — “Awaken”
Sunday, December 3, 2023
We step off the precipice of a new year; from your threshold, we launch into a new journey with you. We give thanks for your faithfulness to journey with us. We pause, in the shadow of this faith-marker, to worship you.
Today, we invite you to reread, rest and reflect on the prayers of the past week.
Lectionary Readings for Today:
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
Micah 2:1-13
Matthew 24:15-31
As you have been with us, so also will you be our Faithful Shepherd as we step onto new paths with you. We place faith-markers in this place as celebrations and reminders of your faithfulness throughout the ages.
Loving Shepherd, we cry out to you. We need you–your grace, your peace, and your love. Renew us; stay close to us. The warmth of your love brings us such joy.
How wondrous are your ways! In your wisdom, you place your shepherd-skills into your family–Creator, Christ, and Spirit. You are our Good Shepherd. Likewise, you place shepherds among us, who have learned from you how to care for your sheep.