“The prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow… Even angels long to look into these things, on tip-toes with joy.” 1Pet.1:10-12
Lord Jesus, the season of Advent officially begins tomorrow, Dec. 1. Whether we’re “Advent-purists,” or those who place little emphasis on church calendar dates and liturgical rhythms, I have a very specific prayer request for all my praying friends. May December 2024 find us “busy” with slowing down, quieting our hearts, focusing our gaze, and setting our affection on you, Jesus.
The Old Testament’s prophets were “wired and lit up” as they wrote of your coming(s), and the grace that comes to us through your life, death, and resurrection. Even angels were/are filled with awe and joy as they ponder your unparalleled love for us, and everything you accomplished by your 1st coming and will complete at your 2nd coming.
Stir the same within us, Jesus. You know our darkest struggles and our most holy longings. You know what you have in store for us and what we still don’t understand about you. You know the real issues lurking below the surface of our anger, anxieties, and apathy—and you love us as no one else. However you choose to do it—by whatever means you joyfully decree, please make December 2024 a month in which we recenter on you, Jesus—a month of Spirit-renewed love in us, and whole-heart rest in you. Thank you, and So Very Amen.