With all the noise in the world, do you hear the voice of God? Your calendar tells you what to do, but do you remember who you are? Being comes before doing. This is a call to put first things first. Return to the Lord with this daily pattern of prayer and devotion. Set aside this time as a sanctuary. Find a space free of distraction and follow this pattern.
Invocation
Make the sign of the cross, and say,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation Prayer
If you have an advent wreath, light three candles for hope, peace, and joy, and pray:
Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. The light no darkness can overcome.
Jesus, thank you for coming to dwell with me. Brighten the dark places in my life. Show me where you are working and teach me to respond with joy. Amen.
Word: Isaiah 12:5-6
Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things;
let this be known to all the world.
Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.
Meditation
Today may not seem very joyful. “But,” we think, “if things were different, then we could talk about joy.” If things were normal. If everyone was vaccinated and had immunity. Then we could be joyful. If it was 80 degrees and sunny, then there would be rejoicing. Think about circumstances that might bring you joy: “If I had more money . . . if things were good . . . if I wasn’t alone . . . if I had the house, the car, retirement, friends . . . then I would be joyful.”
When the Bible talks about joy it doesn’t use the word “if.” It uses the word “for” or “therefore.” Check this out. The prophet Isaiah, chapter 12, verse 5-6:
5 Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things;
let this be known to all the world.
6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”
The prophet Isaiah spoke to a weary people in a miserable place. Israel was decimated by Assyria. Judah was on the verge of disaster. And yet he said, “Shout aloud and sing for joy!” How can you say “Joy” at a funeral? How can you sing in a war? How can you rejoice in prison? There’s only one good reason: “FOR.” “For God has done something glorious.” FOR. “For great is the Holy One of Israel among you.” There are no “if’s” in joy that comes from God. Only his mighty work.
Prayer for Life as a Child of God
– For the Father to give me care and guidance.
– For forgiveness when I wander and want my own way.
– For the Father to keep me childlike in faith even as I age.
– For growth in faith, that I love and trust in God above all things.
– For strength to obey God.
– For the Father to heal my hurts.
– For assurance when I doubt.
Closing Prayer
Lord, I ask for joy in all circumstances. In sunshine or in storms, be the foundation of my joy and gladness. Be my steady rock, Christ Jesus my Lord. Amen.