Praying Scripture through Advent – 11/28/2021

Over the next several weeks I will be praying through a number of the Advent readings from the Book of Common Prayer. I hope you’ll join me!

¹ The Mighty One, God, the Lord,
speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to where it sets.
² From Zion, perfect in beauty,
God shines forth.
³ Our God comes
and will not be silent;
a fire devours before him,
and around him a tempest rages.
⁴ He summons the heavens above,
and the earth, that he may judge his people:
⁵ “Gather to me this consecrated people,
who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”
⁶ And the heavens proclaim his righteousness,
for he is a God of justice.

Psalm 50:1-6 (NIV)

Most Holy God, Lord of the earth, Mighty One, you speak and summon your creation, but far to often I do not listen; I do not hear Your call. You speak and summon the earth from the east to the west; your creation—except for humanity—listens and obeys. Create in Your people hearts that will seek and hear. In the ancient past Your glory shone from Your temple in Zion. We have heard the story of Your glory filling the temple, but also the story of Your sovereign choice to leave Your temple because of the idolatry and injustice of Your people. As we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of your Messiah, root out idolatry and injustice from my heart. As we look forward to your return, shape and mold the entirety of Your church into a people that demonstrate Your beauty to the world around us. Today, prompt me by Your Spirit to bear Your name well, keeping always before me the promise of Your return. When that glorious day comes, You will not be silent. Fire will devour and the tempest will rage. You will summon the heavens and the earth as You come to judge Your people. Although fire and tempest may terrify, may Your people stand in awe and fearful reverence, praising and celebrating as You gather Your covenant people and bring justice, making all things right. Prepare our hearts, Mighty Lord. Remove any love for the things of this world that might keep us from longing for Your return and for Your justice. By the work of Your Spirit may we proclaim Your righteousness with the heavens today! In the name of our beloved and returning Savior, Jesus, amen.