Break through...

PSALM 80:1-7, 17-19

¹   Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock!
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth
²        before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh.
Stir up your might,
and come to save us!

³   Restore us, O God;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.

⁴   O LORD God of hosts,
how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?
⁵   You have fed them with the bread of tears,
and given them tears to drink in full measure.
⁶   You make us the scorn of our neighbors;
our enemies laugh among themselves.

⁷   Restore us, O God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.

¹⁷  But let your hand be upon the one at your right hand,
the one whom you made strong for yourself.
¹⁸   Then we will never turn back from you;
give us life, and we will call on your name.

¹⁹  Restore us, O LORD God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.

• Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
• Sit five to fifteen minutes in silent meditation paying attention to the deep breath
• Look into the light of the candle.
• Or if you are sitting next to a window, look at the light that dances on the landscape.
• Seek God in the light.
• How is the face of God reaching out to you in the light?
• Allow the light to shine upon your face.
• Allow the light to penetrate you with warmth and love.
• Embrace this warmth and love.
• See God’s face shining upon you.
• Embrace God’s saving grace that is a gift for you.
• Carry this light and this gift with you throughout the day.
• Share this gift with those you encounter.
• At the end of the day, spend some time to reflect upon the ways you are able to let God shine through you.
• Give thanks to God for this day to share in the light and for any new insights you have received.
• Share as you feel led in the reply box below.

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, November 27, 2011, the First Sunday of Advent Year B 
Isaiah 64: 1-9
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13: 24-37

If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author.
Permission to use in not-for-profit settings The Rev. Lil Smith, M.Div., DASD