My Bethlehem awaits the Lord
Second Sunday of Advent
“Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.
“If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand: But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared.
“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning — Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.
“O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption. And He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.” ~ Psalm 130:1-8
Lord, O Lord, You are Jehovah tsidkenu — the Lord my righteousness. Without You, there is no righteousness. Without You there is no redemption, no cleansing of the heart to prepare room for Your indwelling Holy Spirit.
Be born in me, Lord. Make my heart Your Bethlehem.** Help me in my pursuit of holiness that, in You, the transformation into Your likeness becomes complete and Your light shines with abandon into a darkened world.
You remind me of Your Secret Place — that place near to Your heart, that place away from the trouble of the world where I can rest alone in You. You bid me to come. I hear Your whisper and yet some days — most days lately — I rise to the noise of other gods and answer their bidding instead.
I’m sorry Lord. Please forgive me and place my feet on solid ground once again.
Rise within me Lord. Rise within each of Your children. You promise to be our strength when we are weak.
I don’t know why — I can’t put my finger on it — but I feel despondent. Is it depression? Have I finally succumbed to the pressures of difficulties and severe battle fatigue? Is that it? All I want to do is sleep. My body is beyond tired and my spirit is clawing at the sides of the pit, struggling to get out.
But You are with me, Lord. I am not alone.
I know I am not alone in this struggle either. I know many of Your children who feel as though the gates of hell have come against them and they are simply worn out. But You, O Lord — YOU are our Deliverer. Deliver us from the snare of the fowler. Surround us with Your ministering angels, shielding us from the multitude of fiery darts that seek to take us out.
Set us free Lord. Set us free to worship You. Break the chains that bind us, in Jesus’ Name and bring healing to our broken places. You are our Healer. Our Deliverer. Our Refuge in the storm. You are our Strong Tower where we run and find safety from our enemies.
Thank You Lord. Be all that You have promised You are. We depend on You. We trust You with our whole hearts.
Prepare our hearts this Advent season to receive You as Lord of lords, and King of kings — to embrace You with renewed fervor and passion for a hurting world. May You be glorified in this Your church.
We love You, Lord. Thank You for loving us enough to send Jesus in that humble stable in Bethlehem that we might know You and Your love.
In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen
** Be Born in Me by Francesca Battistelli
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Please don’t carry your burdens alone. I would be honored to pray for you.
You may contact me directly at nan@nanjones.com
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To read the prayer for the First Sunday of Advent:
Advent Prayer ~ Steady My Heart, Lord
I echo your precious prayer, Nan….may the Gift of Bethlehem be born in the LEAST, the LAST and the LOST!! Thank you for sharing this beautiful video Be Born In Me.
Hi Jo-Ann, I’m so happy you stopped by. I love how you expressed “may the Gift of Bethlehem be born in the LEAST, the LAST and the LOST!!: Yes and amen! And you are so welcome for the video. I’ve watched it several times, and each time I see something new. I absolutely love it too. Christmas blessings to you, Nan