12.06.2019: EChurch@Wartburg: Wade Burleson: Advent and Faith

Advent Prayer: Birth of God’s Son link

Heavenly Father,
you sent your messengers
to tell of the birth of your Son,
that people might believe in him.
Open our ears to hear your call,
to repent of our sins,
and to seek our heavenly inheritance.
May we profess Christ until we stand by his grace
before the glory of your majesty;
Grant this for the sake of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Advent Prayer- Henri J.M. Nouwen

Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day,
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!’
Amen.

‘Sarum Rite, eleventh century

O Lord,
look mercifully on us,
and grant that we may choose the way of peace.
Rescue us from the captivity of the sins which have oppressed us,
that we may attain the dwellings of the heavenly Jerusalem;
through Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Hebrew 11:1-3 NIV

 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
This is what the ancients were commended for.
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command,
so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did.
By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings.
And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.

Benediction: Epiphany Solemn Blessing link

God has called you out of darkness,
into his wonderful light.
May you experience his kindness and blessings,
and be strong in faith, in hope, and in love.
because you are followers of Christ,
who appeared on this day as a light shining in darkness,
may he make you a light to all your sisters and brothers.
The wise men followed the star,
and found Christ who is light from light.
May you too find the Lord
when your pilgrimage is ended.
Amen

Comments

12.06.2019: EChurch@Wartburg: Wade Burleson: Advent and Faith — 3 Comments

  1. The Sarum Rite (Sarum is now Salisbury UK) was an adaptation of previous Anglo-Saxon and Celtic forms following the Norman Conquest. The template is of the form used at Rouen, William’s capital in Normandy, implemented by the Norman bishop appointed to Salisbury. It was widely used in southern England, Wales, and Ireland – and the five centuries later, the Reformers adapted much of it – in English – for the Book of Common Prayer. The Episcopal churches open communion with the uniquely Sarum prayer, “Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known…”

    Thanks for including this ancient intention.