An Advent Eve Prayer for Our Church Families

Advent begins tomorrow, and a prayer seems fitting to prepare our hearts for the morning services that will happen with our church families.

There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said,

Now, Master,
you can dismiss your servant in peace,
as you promised.
For my eyes have seen your salvation.
You have prepared it
in the presence of all peoples —
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and glory to your people Israel.
~ Luke 2:25-32, Christians Standard Bible

Father,

Tomorrow we shall come into contact with so many who will be seeking comfort in their time of disappointments, griefs, sorrows, weariness, or pain. They’ll be looking for consolation, just as Simeon was, just as Israel was desperate for. Whether those we’ll meet know it or not, they’ll be needing your Messiah. Would you please guide them by your Spirit into our church families, where they might find consolation from us, in his Name? Use us to be a light for revelation to the Gentiles, that the nations would put their hope in the Messiah (Matthew 12:15-21).

Yes, and very amen, in Jesus’ salvation and peace-bearing name.

Praying with you and for you, dear reader!

Pastor Matthew