Our prayer for the season of Advent each year is that we would prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ long ago and in the future. During the four Sundays of Advent we learn that the world truly needs a Savior. When we focus on the Old Testament readings prepared for the Advent season, we begin to understand that Christ comes into the world to bring about Shalom – or peace with justice and wholeness for a broken world.
This season for Advent, the Board of Church and Society of the North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church has prepared recorded Advent evening prayers for each day of the Advent season. Each evening prayer will be led by clergy or laity in our Conference and focuses on the theme of Shalom. By participating each evening in these brief prayers, you will begin to learn our Methodist Advent prayers, hear the scripture, and listen to a reflection on the text.
We invite you, your family, and your churches to pray with your friends in Christ over the Advent season that our Redeemer will bring Shalom to our hearts and to the world.
Merciful God,
You sent your messengers the prophets
To preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation.
Give us grace to heed their warnings and to turn away from our sins,
That we may celebrate truly the nativity of our Lord,
And may await with joy
The coming in glory of Jesus Christ our Redeemer who brings SHALOM to the world;
Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, forever and ever.
Amen.