Sarah Whittleston has devised an Advent devotional plan,,,
What if Advent could be a time for us to get closer to God as we wait and prepare for Christmas? Elim Prayer’s Sarah Whittleston has created a prayerful Advent calendar-themed devotional to help you do just that.
Advent is exciting. The anticipation of celebrating Christmas, the preparations, the nativities and carol concerts and – for the shopaholics at least – the shopping, wrapping and stashing of presents.
But amid the excitement and busyness, what if Advent could also be a season where we grow closer to God?
“For Christians, Advent is about reminding ourselves why we celebrate Christmas, and allowing that to help take us deeper in our relationship with God,” says Elim Prayer’s Sarah Whittleston.
“In this season of preparation and waiting, we can think about Emmanuel, the wonder of Christmas and the sheer audacity that God would be willing to contain himself and limit himself to one human body.”
To help us focus on God through Advent, Sarah has created a simple daily devotional with prayers, worship, readings and questions to help us reflect on the season.
“Advent calendars are about waiting and expectation, so this is based around the idea of opening a box each day and discovering something more of who God is,” she says.
“You can allow the whole period to take you deeper with him.”
Advent calendar prayer
Prepare
Like opening an Advent calendar window each day, become aware of the gift of God’s presence. Start with silence. Confess anything you need to and receive fresh forgiveness.
Worship
Play, sing or listen to a worship song.
Pray
God, as I read these words may you show me anew the wonder of your love. Holy Spirit guide me. May my ears, heart and mind be attuned. May I walk in step with you. Increase my faith and fill me with your Spirit. May I know a fresh work of your Spirit. Amen.
Read
Follow the Bible plan below. If the Bible accounts are very familiar to you, why not try using a different version?
Engage
Ask yourself these questions as you read:
1. What stands out to me from the reading today?
2. What is God saying or showing me to prepare my heart?
3. What am I thankful for today?
4. How can I praise God in the light of what I’ve read?
5. How can I pray for myself, others, the church and for the world?
Journal
Write down anything God is saying and showing you. Write down requests and answered prayer. Be creative in your reflections.
Declare
Thank you for the power of your Word. Thank you for the joy of prayer and for knowing today that my prayers matter. Bless those who are following this Advent prayer plan. May our eyes be opened to you anew. Do more than we could ask or imagine. May we overflow with your love to those around us today. Amen.
Daily readings
1 December – John 1:1-13
2 December – John 1:14-18 & Isaiah 7:14
3 December – Isaiah 9:1-7
4 December – Matthew 1:1-17 (genealogy)
5 December – Matthew 1:18-25
6 December – Isaiah 40:1-11
7 December – Luke 1:5-25
8 December – Luke 1:26-38
9 December – Luke 1:39-56
10 December – Luke 1:57-66
11 December – Luke 1:67-80
12 December – Luke 2:1-7
13 December – Luke 2:8-20
14 December – Luke 2:22-35
15 December – Luke 2:36-40
16 December – Matthew 2:1-8 & Isaiah 60:6
17 December – Matthew 2:9-12
18 December – Matthew 2:13-18 & Hosea 11:1
19 December – Matthew 2:19-23
20 December – John 3:16-18
21 December – John 3:19-21
22 December – Colossians 1:15-20
23 December – Romans 15:8-13
24 December – Isaiah 61:1-4
25 December – Daniel 7:14, 27 & Revelation 21:1-6
From Direction Magazine issue 232
