Morning Prayer

Glenda Stansbury

Let us begin the day with this time of consideration, holy listening, supported silence, song, and prayer. We invite you to settle into your seat, let your shoulders drop, and take a deep breath as we practice being present.

• During the season of Advent, we hear stories of a fearful world met by our ancestor of faith with hope. What do you fear? 
• In times of fear, what does it mean to insist on hope?
• What does hope look like, sound like, taste like, smell like, and feel like?

As we reflect together, remember: your whole self is welcome here.

One: In a world full of fear, where do you see hope?

All: We see hope when we look to the next generation We feel hope when we gather together. We know hope, deep in our bones, when we dream of a better world.

One: You are right. Even in a fearful world, hope is all around us.

All: Today we light the candle of hope as a reminder of this good news. May this flicker of light help us remember that we have reason to hope.

Type your new text here.

One: Inbreaking God, every time we read the story of Zechariah in the temple, we remember that You are a God that draws near. You are a God that breaks into the missy middle of our lives to offer hope, love, and good news. You are a God who sees our fears and offers words of comfort.

All: So once again, Holy One, we bow our heads. Once more we quiet the racing thoughts in our minds. We allow our spirits to lean towards You like trees stretching towards the sun. And as we do, we bring You our prayers.

One: Today we give thanks for the wonder that is all around us, for the every day miracles of love and laughter.

All: We are grateful for a new season that brings with it a new rhythm, for the joy of children, for the kindness of strangers, for music that holds our spirits, and for scripture that points to Your presence.

One: We also know, Holy One, that You are with us in our prayers of lament. Our story tells us that Zechariah and Elizabeth were no strangers to grief and longing.

All: So we pray for those who are desperate for good news, those who are overlooked, and for those who feel heartbreakingly alone, ourselves included.

One: The hurt and longing in this world is enough to leave us speechless, Holy One. So just as you did for Zechariah, speak to us. Remind us that we are not alone and that our prayers have been heard.

All: Break through the chatter and the distraction of our weary minds and speak to us once more. With hope of Advent we pray, Amen.

In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was descended from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. But they had no children because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years.

Once when he was serving as priest before God during his section’s turn of duty, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to offer incense. Now at the time of the incense offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified, and fear overwhelmed him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John.

Visio Divina, latin for “divine seeing,” is a method of meditation, reflection, and prayer through a process of intentional seeing. Visio Divina extends the 6th century Benedictine practice of Lectio Divina by the use of visual imagery. Traditionally, Visio Divina was accompanied by Benedictine iconography and illuminations, however, different faith traditions have adapted the process over time, utilizing both secular and nonsecular images. 

As we open ourselves to the experience of the image, focus on your breath. If you find yourself not knowing what to think, or trying to figure out what the art means, remember that you are invited to simply be an observer. What do you see? What is most striking to you about this piece? What parts of the image are your eyes most drawn to, and what parts did you quickly brush by? How is the imagery cohesive with the scripture? What emotions emerge for you when you observe this piece?

Zechariah and the Angel
by Hannah Garrity
Inspired by Luke 1:5-13
32”x20” Paper lace & graphite drawing, backed with cyanotype print

New Century Hymnal

In this fearful world, may we look for God's spirit. Let us reach for each other's hands and choose courage whenever we can. And in all things, let us remember that good news is louder than fear. In the name of the one who calls, the one who sends, and the one who journeys with us - go in peace and do not be afraid. Amen.