Use this devo as you are able, in whole or in part. Don’t feel compelled to read it all. Simply read and meditate upon whatever catches your attention. The goal is enjoying time with God through His Word and in prayer. Questions about the devotional elements?
Call to Prayer
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. (Psalm 59:16)
Prayer of Confession
Confession is formative. It trains us to recognize the ways our hearts have become de-formed and how Christ is at work bringing redemption in our lives. Pray with this in mind.
Dear heavenly Father, the Advent theme of waiting confronts me in every context of life. Why am I in such a hurry? Why the rush? At just the right time, you sent Jesus. Not a day too early, not a day too late. But as for me, cars in front of me cannot move fast enough; FedEx, UPS, and mail can’t get to my house quick enough; and Wi-Fi cannot be speedy enough.
Worse is how my impatience plays out in relationships. I finish people’s sentences; I fidget instead of linger; I launch instead of listen. Instead of being a nonanxious presence, I often give the impression, “Speak quick, ’cause I’m moving on.”
Father, I repent. Have mercy on my busy, cluttered, in-too-much-of-a-hurry self. According to you, the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love (Gal. 5:6), not meeting deadlines with time left over. People are forever; stuff is for the ash heap. Father, thank you for not being in a hurry; thank you for waiting to be gracious to us. Amen.
Take a moment to confess your sins, knowing that he hears you.
Advent Reading Plan
During Advent this year we are using the He Reads Truth and She Reads Truth Advent Devos. Readings in this plan will cover the whole of Scripture and directly point us to Christ. We will resume our OPC|M Daily Reading Plan on December 26.
- He Reads Truth: Today’s Readings | Day 19 Devo | App
- She Reads Truth: Today’s Readings | Day 19 Devo | App
Sermon Series Devo
This section of the Devo focuses on the passage(s) for Sunday’s sermon. Go ahead and read the following passage(s) and use theParables Reading Plan + Study Guide to journal what stands out and what you have questions about in the passages. Below is a helpful commentary that can help to fill in the gaps.
We are currently on a break from our normal devotional rhythm for the season of Advent. We recommend using the Advent Readings above during this time.
Evening Prayer of Examen
- Where did you move with or feel close to Jesus today?
- Where did you resist or feel far from Jesus today?
- Where is Jesus leading you tomorrow? Ask for joy as you follow him.
Benediction
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. (Psalm 121:2-4)
