An Advent Prayer

In this Advent Season, as we practice waiting for the birth of our Savior, may we remember:
-          to wait for God to do the leading, equipping, and calling of each of us to a lifestyle shaped by hospitality, compassion, mercy, and justice;
-          to practice hospitality among our own church family, and within our weariness or awkwardness to reach out to the other;
-          to show compassion to each other, and within broken and hurting families to be especially gracious and help carry each other’s burdens during the holiday season;
-          to show works of mercy to our urban community, through our presence and our prayers, through a softening of our hearts and active ministries;   
-          to pray for justice in the world, remembering and grieving along with those suffering from violence, hunger, illness, poverty, racism, and despair around the globe;
-          to respond to God’s promises in gratitude, reflection, and action, so that when we are called, when we are gifted, we join in praising God’s work and walking along the way with God’s Son, Jesus Christ.  Amen.     

(written for First Covenant Church, Seattle, WA, December 5, 2006)