Advent Focus for Prayer Station
Using the lectionary and following the church calendar is an excellent
way to recalibrate throughout the year. What do I mean by recalibrate? In this
context I mean it as a reconnection with Jesus that aligns us with who Jesus
was and how he lived. And because the lectionary has a Gospel passage as its
primary focus each week of the year, this alignment can happen by observing
Jesus in context of his ministry.
We become witnesses to Jesus experiencing feelings and emotions similar to
ours, in a way that brings us comfort and a knowing that God is familiar with
our human experience. In aligning with Jesus, we can acknowledge deep
feelings and emotions and care for ourselves in those places.
So, as we pray through this Advent Season, let’s take a look at what we
might be anticipating, and what our expectations are. Anticipation can be a
very BIG feeling. There’s a tension in anticipation that both excites us and can
find us dreading a possible disappointment.
As we enter this Christmas Season the Advent focuses are:
Hope Peace Joy Love
Consider going into prayer with some questions for yourself, that may
help to recalibrate you and your heart during this season.
1. What about this week’s focus am I specifically anticipating?
2. Is this week’s focus something I need, have, or want to give to others?
3. How do I see Jesus engaging with this particular focus in scripture?
4. Do you sense an invitation that you can engage with this week?
Jesus, help us to see YOU in this season, and align with your heart for this
world. Amen