PRAYER FOR AND ASSURANCE OF GRACE for December 13, 2020 -- Advent 3B

God of Advent, through the Apostle Paul you encourage us to “Rejoice always”!
Sometimes Joy is easy. Sometimes Joy is hard.
God of Advent, through the Apostle Paul you ask us to “pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances”
Honestly, sometimes we forget to live prayerful lives.
Equally honestly, there are lots of times when thankful is the last thing we are feeling.
God of Advent, through the Apostle Paul you exhort us not to quench the Spirit.
We don’t do it on purpose. But when joy is hard, when thankfulness is scarce, when we are not grounded in you, spirits get quenched.
God of Grace, as we wait and prepare for the baby who will change the world,
open our hearts and minds and eyes to find the causes of joy right in front of us. Hear our laments for the things that steal joy from our lives. Accept our pledge to be more prayerful, more joy seeking, more thankful in the days to come, accept our words or repentance for those times we quench the spirit.
...time of silent prayer...
God has given us a promise of Good News of great Joy that shall be for all people. In that Good News is the promise of Grace. When we leave the path of wisdom we are invited, drawn, urged back. We are forgiven so that we can continue to seek hope, peace, joy and love.
Glory to God in the Highest! Alleluia! Amen.