Loving God, You are remarkably kind. You are mighty and powerful, yet gentle and caring. Not one of my most hidden thoughts, feelings, issues and desires escapes Your knowledge.
You walk through life with me (whether I realize it or not)—wanting deeply for me to come to You with these things, to trust You with my heart.
In this season of Advent, as I wait to celebrate the birth of Jesus, my soul’s deepest thoughts, feelings, issues and desires come to light; they are exposed and rise to the surface. Sometimes they bring joy, other times heartache.
Some are hopeful, excited to see what’s around the corner. Others are raw, ones that I avoid or keep to myself, hidden, not wanting to spoil the joy of the season for others.
But You see me, and them. Indeed, it is at this particular moment in time that You want to step in and be with me. I need only say Jesus, to invite in Your Presence.
Search me Lord, reveal to me these hidden things. I don’t want to hold back anything from You—from Your loving, caring, healing and generous Heart. In coming to You, I will find acceptance, truth, healing, hope, light and love.
For Your love lifts me, it gives me courage and power. As Paul told Timothy in Your Word “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
In Your Power, I am able to rejoice! May I surrender to Your will so that I may live freely and joyfully, anticipating with excitement the plans You have for me.
Help me, Holy Spirit, do these things. Open my eyes to the pure love You want me to experience this Advent season. Soften my heart, strengthen it—to not only trust You, but to await expectedly and joyfully for what is to come.
My hope is in You all day long. You are my strength and my song. I wait on You humbly and confidently. Though I do not see, I trust.
In the Loving, Freeing and Hope Giving Name of Jesus I pray.
Amen.
