Christ is coming

Advent – Psalm 126:1-6 Bearing the seed for sowing

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PSALM 126:1-6

1   When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
2   Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then it was said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3   The Lord has done great things for us,
and we rejoiced.

4   Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like the watercourses in the Negeb.
5   May those who sow in tears
reap with shouts of joy.
6   Those who go out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
carrying their sheaves.

  • Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
  • Sit five to fifteen minutes in silent meditation paying attention to the deep breath.
  • What dream do you have?
  • How does this meet your desire?
  • How does this meet God’s desire for you?
  • In this dream, how does God do great things for you?
  • What laughter and rejoicing does this bring?
  • How do you share these great things?
  • What seed do you have to plant?
  • What harvest will be gathered?
  • Give thanks to God for the
  • Give thanks to God for the dream and for any new insights you have received.
  • Share as you feel led in the reply box below.

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, December 17, 2017, the Third Sunday of Advent Year B 
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Psalm 126:1-6
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Luke 1:46b-55
John 1:6-8, 19-28

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

Advent – John the Baptist – Praying with Art

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John the Baptist by Jesus Mafa

  • Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
  • Sit five to fifteen minutes in silent meditation paying attention to the deep breath.
  • As you sit, allow this image to grow on and within you.
  • Imagine walking down to the river.  You see a crowd listening to one from the wilderness.
  • You are compelled to sit and listen.
  • What do you hear?
  • What truth do you know?
  • How do you know this?
  • Some newcomers arrive, asking questions.
  • Who is asking these questions?
  • What tension do you notice?
  • What truth is spoken?
  • How do you know it is the truth?
  • The one to whom you sit and listen proclaims he is not worthy.
  • How are you not worthy to embrace the One who is coming?
  • Allow God to embrace this place that is not worthy as you give yourself fully to God.
  • The One who is coming will carry this burden.
  • Give thanks to God for this time by the river and for any new insights you have received.
  • Share as you feel led in the reply box below.

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, December 11, 2011, the Second Sunday of Advent Year B 
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Psalm 126:1-6
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
John 1:6-8, 19-28

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

Advent – Psalm 126:1-6 Bearing the seed for sowing

/ Lil Smith / Leave a comment

PSALM 126:1-6

1   When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
2   Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then it was said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3   The Lord has done great things for us,
and we rejoiced.

4   Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like the watercourses in the Negeb.
5   May those who sow in tears
reap with shouts of joy.
6   Those who go out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
carrying their sheaves.

  • Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
  • Sit five to fifteen minutes in silent meditation paying attention to the deep breath.
  • What dream do you have?
  • How does this meet your desire?
  • How does this meet God’s desire for you?
  • In this dream, how does God do great things for you?
  • What laughter and rejoicing does this bring?
  • How do you share these great things?
  • What seed do you have to plant?
  • What harvest will be gathered?
  • Give thanks to God for the
  • Give thanks to God for the dream and for any new insights you have received.
  • Share as you feel led in the reply box below.

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, December 11, 2011, the Second Sunday of Advent Year B 
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Psalm 126:1-6
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
John 1:6-8, 19-28

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