Morning Prayer
Week of December 15-21
ADVENT III
PRAYER AS RULE OF LIFE
Sunday, December 15
Opening Prayer:
The way of the Lord must be prepared within our hearts; for great and spacious is the human heart, as if it were a world. But see its greatness, not in bodily quantity, but in that power of the mind, which enables it to encompass so great a knowledge of the truth. Prepare therefore in your heart the way of the Lord by a worthy manner of life; and by good and perfect works keep straight this path of your life, so that the words of the Lord may enter in without hindrance.[1]—Origen
Silence
Prayers of Thanksgiving:
Sing aloud, O daughter Zion;shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart,O daughter Jerusalem!
The Lord has taken away the judgments against you,he has turned away your enemies.
The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;you shall fear disaster no more.
(Zechariah 3)
For what thanks do we rejoice and exult before the Lord?
The Lord’s Prayer
Scripture Reading:
Luke 3:7-18
St. John the Baptist’s call to repentance not only caught the attention of the political and religiously powerful, but also called those hearing him to change their lives and relationships to the broader community. If we were honest with ourselves, where do we need to repent and change our relationships to our finances and recognize its impact on our neighbors?
Prayers of Intercession:
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)
What needs do we need to make known to God?
Closing Prayer
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Sunday Lectionary: Zephaniah 3:14-20; Luke 3:7-18; Philippians 4:4-7; Isaiah 12:2-6
Monday, December 16
Opening Prayer
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Silence (2 minutes)
Magnificat (together)
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit.He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy,The promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. (Luke 1:46-55)
Prayers of Thanksgiving:
But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God.
I trust in the steadfast love of God forever.
I will thank you forever, because of what you have done.
In the presence of the faithful I will proclaim your name, for it is good. (Psalm 52:8-9).
What praises and thanksgivings do we offer to the living and true God?
The Lord’s Prayer
Scripture Reading:
Luke 22:39-53
When are we too paralyzed with fear to pray?
Prayers of Intercession:
St. Peter reminds us that God has already given us everything needed for life and godliness. (1 Peter 1:3)
What needs of our lives or our growth towards godliness do we lift to God today?
Closing Prayer
God of the wind, open us once again to the power of your newness. We all know about endings; we know all about the weariness from propping up old realities. Free us for a joyful new beginning this Advent season! Amen.[2]
Daily Office Lectionary: Psalm 41 & 52; Isaiah 8:16-9:1; 2 Peter 1:1-11; Luke 22:39-53
Tuesday, December 17
Opening Prayer:
O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love; come to teach us the path of knowledge!
Silence (2 minutes)
Magnificat (together)
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit.He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy,The promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. (Luke 1:46-55)
Prayers of Thanksgiving:
I will cause your name to be celebrated in all generations; therefore the people will praise you forever and ever. (Ps. 45:17)
What praises do we offer to God today?
The Lord’s Prayer
Scripture Reading:
Isaiah 9:1-7
In these dark days, where do you see God’s great light breaking into the gloom?
Prayers of Intercession:
During Advent as we prepare for Christ’s coming amongst us with great power and might, the Gospel text reminds us that even those who have travelled with the Christ can betray him. (Luke 22:54-69)
Where in our lives do we need help in following Christ?
Closing Prayer
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Daily Office Lectionary: Psalm 45; Isaiah 9:1-7; 2 Peter 1:12-21; Luke 22:54-69
Wednesday, December 18
Opening Prayer:
O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power!
Silence (2 minutes)
Magnificat (together)
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit.He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy,The promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. (Luke 1:46-55)
Prayers of Thanksgiving:
At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous ordinances.
I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts.
The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes. (Isaiah 6:1-3)
For what do we give thanks to God, who is full of steadfast love?
The Lord’s Prayer
Scripture Reading:
Isaiah 9:8-17
If Isaiah proclaimed these words in our day and time, would they resonate with our current situation as a culture? As a Church?
Prayers of Intercession:
John proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I am is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandle. I have baptized you with water. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:7-8)
Where do we need the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives today?
Closing Prayer
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Daily Office Lectionary: Psalm 119:49-72; Isaiah 9:8-17; 2 Peter 2:1-10a; Mark 1:1-8
Thursday, December 19
Opening Prayer:
O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people; come to save us without delay!
Silence (2 minutes)
Magnificat (together)
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit.He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy,The promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. (Luke 1:46-55)
Prayers of Thanksgiving:
Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and shouted, “You are the Son of God!” (Mark 3:11)
If unclean spirits reverence and recognize Christ, what praises and thanksgivings do we offer to him today?
The Lord’s Prayer
Scripture Reading:
Isaiah 9:18-10:4
Our culture is rife with greed and lies? How do you process the call of the Prophet to us today?
Prayers of Intercession:
The mighty One, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
Out of Zion, perfection of beauty, God shines forth! (Psalm 50:1-2)
Where do we need God’s Light to shine in our lives today?
Closing Prayer
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Daily Office Lectionary: Psalm 50; Isaiah 9:18-10:4; 2 Peter 2:10b-16; Mark 3:1-12
Friday, December 20
Opening Prayer:
O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal kingdom; come and free the prisoners of darkness!
Silence (2 minutes)
Magnificat (together)
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit.He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy,The promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. (Luke 1:46-55)
Prayers of Thanksgiving:
I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.
He drew me up from thedesolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. (Psalm 40:1-3)
If unclean spirits reverence and recognize Christ, what praises and thanksgivings do we offer to him today?
The Lord’s Prayer
Scripture Reading:
Matthew 11:2-15
If someone like John the Baptist waivers on who Jesus is, what does that and Jesus reaction mean for us today with questions?
Prayers of Intercession:
Save me, O God, by your name, and vindicate me by your might.
Hear my prayer, O God, give ear to the words of my mouth. (Psalm 54:1-2)
Where do we need God’s saving power today?
Closing Prayer
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Daily Office Lectionary: Psalm 40, 54; Isaiah 10:5-19; 2 Peter 2:17-22; Matthew 11:2-15
Saturday, December 21
Opening Prayer:
O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.
Silence (2 minutes)
Magnificat (together)
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit.He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy,The promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. (Luke 1:46-55)
Prayers of Thanksgiving:
Now to him who is able to keep you from falling, and to make you stand without blemish in the presence of his glory with rejoicing, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. (Jude 24-25)
What thanks do we offer to God who keeps us from falling while we wait?
The Lord’s Prayer
Scripture Reading:
Luke 3:1-9
How are we as followers of Christ also called to prepare the way for the Lord?
Prayers of Intercession:
Cast your burden on the Lord and he will sustain you. (Psalm 55:22)
What burdens do we hand over to God today?
Closing Prayer
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Daily Office Lectionary: Psalm 55; Isaiah 10:20-27; Jude 17-25; Luke 3:1-9
[1] The Sunday Sermons of the Great Fathers: A Manual of Preaching, Spiritual Reading, and Meditation. Trans. & Ed. M.F. Toal. (Ignatian Press: San Francisco, 1996), 75.
[2] Brueggemann, Walter. Celebrating Abundance: Devotions for Advent. (Westminster John Knox Press: Lexington, Kentucky), 43.
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