Saturday 4 December
I am the Lord your God,
I have waited on you,
and have heard your prayer.
So, prepare a way in the desert,
a cradle in the hay,
a meeting place in the market square,
a table in an upstairs room,
a cross on a hill,
a grave in a garden,
a throne in your heart as in heaven.
For now again,
I will bend down and remember you.
I will answer your prayer
and your waiting will end in joy.
And so we commit ourselves
to think globally, to trade fairly,
to live responsibly,
and to love this world as God loves it,
who in Christ become one with creation. Amen.
Friday 3 December
Perhaps it takes a lifetime
to open our eyes,
to learn to see
what has forever
shimmered in front of us:
the luminous line of the map in the dark
the vigil flame in the house of the heart
the love so searing
we cannot keep from singing
from crying out in testimony and praise.
Perhaps this day,
the light begins
in us.
(Jan Richardson)
Thursday 2 December
I cannot tell you
how the light comes,
But that it does.
That it will.
That it works its way
into the deepest dark
that enfolds you,
though it may seem
long ages in coming
or arrive in a shape
you did not foresee.
And so,
may we this day
turn ourselves toward it
lift our faces to let it find us …
May we open
and open more
to the blessed light
that comes.
(Jan Richardson)
Wednesday 1 December
World Aids Day
With those who dread their test results:
We wait.
With those who worry ‘what if?’
We wait.
With those who fear for the future:
We wait.
With those who regret their past:
We wait.
With all who search for the light:
We wait
and keep vigil.
(Michael Paterson)
Tuesday 30 November
St Andrew
God of Advent, of darkness, of waiting,
We the people of this land
wait for the day …
when no child goes to bed hungry
when foodbanks are consigned to history
when voting ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ counts less
than voting for justice.
God of all nations,
temper our national pride
nudge our conscience
and inspire us
to rebuild our nation once more.
God of Advent, of darkness, of waiting,
we wait
and work
as your Kingdom comes.
(Michael Paterson)
Monday 29 November
Hanukah, First Day
What to do in the Darkness
Go slowly
Consent to it
But don’t wallow in it
Know it as a place of germination
and growth
Remember the light
Take an outstretched hand
if you find one
Exercise unused senses
Find the path by walking in it
Practice trust
Watch for dawn.
(Marilyn Chandler McEntyre)
Sunday 28 November
1st Sunday of Advent
Lighting the 1st Advent Candle
God of Abraham and Sarah,
and all the Patriarchs of old,
You are our Father too.
Your love is revealed to us in Jesus Christ,
Son of God and Son of David.
Help us in preparing to celebrate his birth,
to make our hearts ready
for your Holy Spirit
to make his home among us.
We ask this through Jesus Christ
the Light who is coming into the world. Amen.
This sequence of daily readings and prayers was compiled by Rev Dr Michael Paterson using materials drawn from a variety of sources. You can download a printable version of the whole sequence at this link.
