Welcome back to Brenda’s Blog. We have missed you. We have new things for you. There are now pictures to contemplate with each Blog post! There is still a prayer practice for each post so you can take intentional time and space to pray on our new site. And now you can review the past years at an easy glance and choose the ones that God encourages your heart to pray.
Heart’s Song
With this first week of Advent, which began Sunday November 28th , the focus is on the “Thrill of Hope” as one pastor named it. Hope may abound even in the scariest scenarios of life. Our hope is shaped by the expectations we live through faith in Jesus. The wonder about hope comes when we consider what the song of our heart is, even though the most challenging times? Does your heart’s song ever get bogged down in fear, anxiety, worry, or trying to predict the future? Perhaps, your heart song may lift you up from the mire and dense places of life.
In anticipation of the second Sunday of Advent, December 5th, hear the prophetic song Zechariah voiced as we intentionally prepare the way for Jesus’ new birthing in our lives, communities, nations, and through our human global connection.
The Scripture
John the Baptist’s Father, Zechariah burst into a prophetic heart song of praise as his voice returned when he confirmed Elizabeth’s desire to name the soon to be born child, John. Luke 1:67-79 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+1%3A67-79&version=NRSV resounds with celebration for how God has actively present in the past. It also points to the new ways that God will live through his son John. Zechariah boldly professes how God will be proclaimed, praised, encouraged, and recognized through the people because of John’s ministry and preaching as John prepares the way for Jesus.
Not only does Zechariah soar in song expressing his heart, but his words have become the foundation for other songs. The African American song “Guide my Feet” inspired by the final lines of Zechariah’s song. Here is the link for your prayerful listening. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-WVIppNBls How does God guide your feet as we walk through this advent season?
Zechariah’s song has inspired other songs. Do you remember the theatrical production “Godspell?” When I pray with Zechariah my heart goes to the song “Prepare the Way of the Lord.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFAHBtJqghc My mind wonders, what is my heart’s song that prepares the way for the Lord to be birthed anew this Christmas around the world.
Today’s Prayer Practice
Today’s prayer invitation is to compose your own heart song to God. You can just write the lyrics or maybe a tune will pop into your heart match the lyrics. There are at least three movements for your song as you prepare your heart for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. First, consider how God has been present, attentive, and living miracles in your life and communities in the past. This could be the recent past of the past two years, it may be a larger past incorporating God’s miracles throughout your life.
The second movement of your heart song is the present. How do you the currently notice and celebrate the activity and miraculous presence of God in your present day living, within the community, and throughout the nations in this time of history?
The final movement of your heart song leans toward the future. God is moving us toward God’s preferred future. How will you participate in the unbounded love of God which is about to be birthed at Christmas?
Will there be a refrain for your heart song? How does your song flow from one movement to the other, from past, to present, and into the future? How will you conclude your heart song? For inspiration of your heart’s song, listen to God’s heart song for you. I first hear this God from the Sisters of Mercy in Burlingame, CA. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJe-W_pD_6Y.
Enjoy praying. Welcome to our Advent adventure.
Brenda
