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<\/a><\/p>\nAs the song says we cannot go through life without any troubles.<\/p>\n
I am sure, like me, you have all suffered sleepless nights worrying about things which are happening in your own or a loved ones life. In my own experience, the reality of this is that it solves very little and just makes you tired and weary.<\/p>\n
We are called to release our worries and fears and to trust in God that he will guard us and provide for us. Although this is easy to say it is, naturally, far more difficult to actually do! Releasing our worries and concerns to God is a challenge and perhaps a discipline that we should all work at.<\/p>\n
By this I do not mean that we should be falsely jolly but rather that we should seek God’s reassurance and his willingness to hold us in his all embracing love as we struggle with the troubles of daily life.<\/p>\n
On this the third day of Advent we remember that Jesus came to bring healing and wholeness to the world.<\/p>\n
Bible Passage: – Isaiah Chapter 35(NIV)<\/b><\/h3>\nJoy of the Redeemed<\/b><\/h3>\n
The desert and the parched land will be glad; Strengthen the feeble hands, say to those with fearful hearts, Then will the eyes of the blind be opened Then will the lame leap like a deer, The burning sand will become a pool, And a highway will be there; No lion will be there, and those the Lord has rescued will return. If you have some sand and some marbles available. Wet the sand and place some in a saucer or plate. In the sand draw a path and place along it a few marbles gently roll some of these marbles away from the path as a symbol of you passing your troubles to God.<\/p>\n By leaving them adjacent to the path we acknowledge that troubles do not disappear but that with our trust in God we are able to cope with them through the gifts of family, friends and our support networks as well as through the power of the Holy Spirit.<\/p>\n Hymn: Singing the Faith – “Father I place into your hands”<\/b><\/p>\n “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come”.<\/i><\/p>\n Think of the saying in order to understand context and meaning,<\/i><\/p>\n Feel the meaning of the saying with and in your heart,<\/p>\n Pray, using the saying, for yourself or others. With only a name and without explaining the reasons or pre-defining any answers.<\/p>\n Listen for God’s voice in the quiet of your prayers.<\/i><\/p>\n Pray using your own prayers or one of those which have been prepared below.<\/p>\n Loving God we thank you that you are ever present in our lives. In times of joy or sorrow you are always there. Amen.<\/p>\n .Lord, we pray that in the season of Advent we will discover the water that gushes forth in the wilderness. As we travel with you we find streams of refreshing that renew and revive us. Let us be filled to overflowing with joyful energy and enthusiasm to make us ready for your coming again. Amen.<\/p>\n Jesus you are our protector and we rejoice in the promise of your light come into the world. We place into your hands the cares and concerns of our lives.<\/p>\n By your stength and power help us to trust in your healing ministry which restores our wholeness. Help us be strong and fearless.<\/p>\n We hear you say, “do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.”<\/p>\n<\/a>
\nthe wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
\nLike the crocus, it will burst into bloom;
\nit will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.
\nThe glory of Lebanon will be given to it,
\nthe splendor of Carmel and Sharon;
\nthey will see the glory of the Lord,
\nthe splendor of our God.<\/p>\n
\nsteady the knees that give way;<\/p>\n
\n“Be strong, do not fear;<\/a>
\nyour God will come,
\nhe will come with vengeance;
\nwith divine retribution
\nhe will come to save you.”<\/p>\n
\nand the ears of the deaf unstopped.<\/p>\n<\/a>
\nand the mute tongue shout for joy.
\nWater will gush forth in the wilderness
\nand streams in the desert.<\/p>\n
\nthe thirsty ground bubbling springs.
\nIn the haunts where jackals once lay,
\ngrass and reeds and papyrus will grow.<\/p>\n
\nit will be called the Way of Holiness;
\nit will be for those who walk on that Way.
\nThe unclean will not journey on it;
\nwicked fools will not go about on it.<\/p>\n<\/a>
\nnor any ravenous beast;
\nthey will not be found there.
\nBut only the redeemed will walk there,<\/p>\n
\nThey will enter Zion with singing;
\neverlasting joy will crown their heads.
\nGladness and joy will overtake them,
\nand sorrow and sighing will flee away.<\/p>\nActivity<\/h3>\n
Prayers and Reflection<\/h2>\n
Helpful Hymn<\/h4>\n
Contemplation saying.<\/b><\/h3>\n
Let us pray together.<\/b><\/h3>\n
Contemplative Prayer.<\/b><\/h3>\n
Twitter Prayer<\/b><\/h3>\n
Facebook Prayer<\/b><\/h3>\n
Full Prayer<\/b><\/h3>\n
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