The Advent prayer for Thursday, December 22, 2002, comes to us from: Hark the Herald Angels Sing: Daily Prayers for Advent by Stephenie Hovland
19 as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, 20 giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:19-20NIV
Friends,
In order to understand our cited verse, we need to read the preceding verses. Verses 15-18 give us the full context for verses 19-20:
15 Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17 So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, 20 giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In this letter to the Ephesians, Paul urges them to be mindful of how they live and to “make the most of the time.” How are they to make the most of their time, by “understanding what the will of the Lord is.” As people of faith, each day we wake up is an opportunity to grow in our knowledge, commitment, and service to God. We are called to deepen our relationship with God through daily prayer and study, to allow our actions to speak of our authentic faith, and to be a blessing to others. Paul encourages us to remain aware of how our lives reflect the love, joy, and grace of God. As we gather to celebrate Christmas, let us determine to live in reverent devotion to the Christ of Christmas.
-Pastor Anthony
Advent Prayer – Day 26
Dear God, we confess that we don’t always address one another with happy hearts. We don’t always thank you for everything around us. In the coming season of Christmas merriment, remind us to see everything around us as a blessing, giving thanks for each blessing you have given us in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
-Stephenie Hovland