The Annex Groups (or small group bible studies) of Hope are writing prayers for each of the Advent Services at our church. Here's the first of the two prayed this week:
MALE 1: We praise and thank you, Father, for the hope of Christ’s second coming.
MALE 2: This is a hope that anticipates—even expects—the function of Your integrity on our behalf.
FEMALE 1: The apostle John said of his vision, “I saw the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven
FEMALE 2: He was given authority, glory and sovereign power
FEMALE 1: All peoples, nations and men of every language worshipped him
FEMALE 2: His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away. His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
ALL: Be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
MALE 1: But our citizenship is in Heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
ALL: Be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
MALE 2: For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is right.
ALL: Be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
FEMALE 1: But you, who believe in Christ, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.
MALE 1: You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.
FEMALE 2: So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled since we belong to the day, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
MALE 2: For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.
FEMALE 1: Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
MALE 1: The Lord Jesus Christ said, “I am the first and the last. I am the living one; I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever and ever!”
ALL: Be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near, and our hope is in the expectation of this promise!
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