Prayer For Joy on Advent Sunday 3

 PRAYER FOR JOY

Today we begin the third week of Advent and the candle we light today is the pink one – the candle for joy.

As Mary responded to the message of the angel and the amazing purpose of God to have her give birth to Jesus she was filled with joy.

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.  From now on all generations will call me blessed,  Luke 1:46-48

If we skip ahead to the shepherds who were the first to receive the announcement that Jesus had been born we also encounter great joy:

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Luke 2:10

Whenever Jesus is invited into a situation, great joy is the result.  There may be difficulties in our circumstances and troubles up ahead that we don’t yet know about, but God is able to fill us with joy as we keep His closeness in mind and let His power and His control of all things settle our hearts and give us strength.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  Galatians 5:22-23

Jesus, once again, is our model in keeping a joyful perspective in order to navigate challenging times.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  Hebrews 12:1-2

Let’s pray to be people of joy here in 2020 in the middle of a pandemic. It’s the gift we can receive from God and the gift we can give back to Him.

Lord, may we, your people, who look forward to the birthday of Christ experience the joy of salvation and celebrate with love and thanksgiving.

Help us to remember that the good news of Jesus’ birth has the power to bring us great joy this Christmas season. Our joy isn’t dependent on what is going on in our life, in our world, or the people that we are with. It doesn’t depend on the people we get to be with this season or the gifts we give or get. 

Our joy doesn’t come from our jobs, our family, our relationships, our finances, or our success. Our joy doesn’t come from what we have on earth or who we are with. None of that can ever give us complete joy.  Our joy is a gift. Our joy comes from You.  It is the gift that you gave us that first Christmas in Jesus Christ.

Help us to learn from Mary, from the angels, from the shepherds, and especially from Jesus himself; to remember the blessing, remember Your presence and power, remember that we are your chosen people for whom you care, and remember Your great purposes to bring about a new heaven and a new earth where we will live with You forever in joy beyond our imagination.  These trials truly are temporary and they are not stronger than the joy You are providing for us today.

Flood our heart with joy this Advent season as we reflect on the good news of Jesus’ birth. In Jesus’ precious name we pray.

With St. Patrick we pray:

CHRIST BE WITH ME – St Patrick

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,

Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ on my right, Christ on my left,

Christ where I lie, Christ where I sit,

Christ where I arise,

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of every one who speaks to me,

Christ in every eye that sees me,

Christ in every ear that hears me.

Salvation is of the Lord.

Salvation is of the Christ.

May your salvation, Lord, be ever with us.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come, thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil,

For thine is the kingdom

and the power

and the glory, forever.

Amen.

THE BLESSING

The Lord bless you and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine on you

and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you

and give you peace.