Welcome to a Gathering of EChurch@Wartburg

Beautiful Autumn River Valley

Here is our Order of Worship

Today we are featuring prayers for Advent from a number of sources. What is Advent? link

Advent, anglicized from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming", is a season observed in many Western Christian churches, a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. It is the beginning of the Western liturgical year and commences on Advent Sunday, called Levavi.

Latin adventus is the translation of the Greek word parousia, commonly used in reference to the Second Coming of Christ. For Christians, the season of Advent serves as a reminder both of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting of Christians for Christ's return from Heaven where he now sits at the Right Hand of God.

Advent Prayer link

Father, all powerful and ever-living God, 
we do well always and everywhere 
to give you thanks 
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

When he humbled himself to come among us, 
he fulfilled the plan you formed long ago 
and opened for us the way to salvation.

Now we watch for the day, 
hoping that the salvation promised us will be ours 
when Christ will come again in his glory.

And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven 
we proclaim your glory 
and join in their unending hymn of praise:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, 
God of power and might, 
heaven and earth are full of your glory. 
Hosanna in the highest. 
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord 
Hosanna in the highest
Amen

Advent Prayer link
In the lonely places
The wilderness
Where we stand forlorn
Windswept and alone
Your voice calls out 
Prepare a way for the Lord
In the dark places
The shadows
Where we hide our fears
Embrace our tears
Your voice calls out 
Prepare a way for the Lord

For the desert places in which we walk
The streets we roam
The paths we cross
Guide our feet
Take us to places
Where you would go
Give us words that you would use
That in this Advent season
Of promise and preparation 
We might point the way with John the Baptist
To the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
Amen

Luke 5:33-39 (NASB Bible Gateway)

And they said to Him, “The disciples of John often fast and offer prayers,
the disciples of the Pharisees also do the same, but Yours eat and drink.”
And Jesus said to them, “You cannot make the attendants of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you?
35 But the days will come; and when the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast in those days.”
And He was also telling them a parable
 “No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and puts it on an old garment;
otherwise he will both tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old.
And no one puts new wine into old wineskins;
otherwise the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled out, and the skins will be ruined.
But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins.
And no one, after drinking old wine wishes for new; for he says, ‘The old is good enough.’”

Advent Prayer-Henri J.M. Nouwen link

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 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.

During this Thanksgiving Season,
we want to express our gratitude for our EChurch pastor, Wade Burleson,
and our faithful readers who contribute so much to the ongoing discussion here at TWW. 
May God bless you and yours!  This song is dedicated to all of you.

Advent Benediction link
May you live within the light of love in these coming days.
May love call forth the songs you sing.
May love enliven your celebrations.
May love be within you, and may love surround you.
May you know–deeply know–the abundance of God’s steadfast love.
Amen.