Stand Up

Devotional Guide

December 2^nd-9^th, 2018

Morning

PRAYER

King of day and lord of night, the dark night passed away and a new day begins. Clear the dark from my thoughts and soul so that I view this moment in your grace. Lead me to grow in your love as Christ takes my hand and we walk through this day together.

·         Prayers of Intercession  pray for those who are upon your heart. Lift them up to God and his mercy, compassion, and love.

·         Prayers for Healing, guidance, comfort, mercy

·         Prayers of thanksgiving and appreciation

·         meditation of this week’s scripture, Visio Divina, Lectio Divina

Lead me into this day open and loving strong in your word and Spirit that I may witness to my faith in words, and in my actions. Amen

picture credit

Visio Divina

is a meditative/prayer practice that opens the heart and soul to connect with God through images.

What do you need to stand up for?

Is there something you need the strength of God to achieve or overcome?

Is there something you need to let go of, confess, do to stand in joy before God?

Readings for Reflection

Use an additional resource like the Upper Room or any devotionals you prefer

Stand Up    Luke 21: 34-36

I confess I have a mental image that makes me giggle this time of year. Angels are very much a part of the Christmas tradition. In scripture angels begin by saying “fear not”. And every time the people hit the deck with their faces to the ground. This can be understood as respect and worship, or terror.

I wonder what reasons the people have to be sore afraid. Granted a strange being showing up with a harp glissando is enough, but is it something else?

In this scripture from Luke Jesus reminds us to hold to our humble desire to prevail in safety. Through prayer finding strength to withstand calamities. Jesus warns of being distracted and overcome by worries. Turning to other means to calm fears and face challenges and being weighed down by external burdens.

The reason being through our need for God we will be able to stand before Christ.

Be ready this Christmas and prepare through your worship and faith, so when the angel arrives you can stand and rejoice. Ann

Daily Scripture Reading

You may also like Lectio Divina (audio Lectio) a focused reading and meditation of scripture.

Audio Lectio

Chronological Bible

One Year Bible

Abiding in The Spirit

           * Find your quiet center, empty your mind, and be present to hear the voice of God. Color, write in a journal, listen to music, use prayer beads to help your focus. Concentrate upon what God is calling you to understand, change, make, explore

Afternoon

Set a reminder to pray throughout the day. Embrace the breath of prayer, release your burdens, be thankful. Recall today’s readings, the Visio Divina and meditate upon them and how they are affecting your day

PRAYER

Jesus, I call, answer my soul, soothe my thoughts and ease my worries. Reset my day and guide me through your love to live and love into life with confidence and boldness.

Evening

To grow in faith and understanding of God, ourselves, and others it helps to evaluate ourselves, hold ourselves accountable, challenge ourselves. In your personal growth in faith and Christian action evaluate how you lived in love of God, others, and self today.

Abiding in The Spirit*

PRAYER

Master of all, your world of beauty and power begins to sleep. The night descends, and the day relents to its force. we take hold of blankets and the softness of lamplight as we seek your grace. I seek forgiveness for my failings held within the hours past. I seek your face full of love and adoration and the joy that is held within a faithful heart. Amen