Evening Prayer for Sunday, December 22, 2024
Praying the Scriptures
Sunday Evening Prayer
December 22, 2024
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4–7)
Gracious and loving God,
As the sun sets over the vast New Mexican desert, painting the sky with hues of gold and crimson, I come before You in the stillness of this Advent evening. The land around me, rugged and beautiful, speaks of Your majesty and steadfast love.
Tonight, I rejoice in You, Lord. I rejoice in the promise of Your coming, the gift of Your Son, and the hope You bring to this waiting world. My heart, though sometimes burdened with the cares of this life, is lifted by Your presence. I hear the Apostle’s words echoing in my soul: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, Rejoice.” So, with joy, I join all creation in praising Your name.
Let Your gentleness be evident in me, O God. Just as the gentle winds of this desert whisper through the sagebrush, may my life reflect the quiet peace of Your Spirit. Help me to be patient with myself and with others, remembering that You are near—closer than my very breath.
Lord, tonight I lay my worries at Your feet. I surrender every fear, every uncertainty, and every unanswered question into Your loving hands. You have said, “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” So here I am, Lord, with a heart full of gratitude for the blessings You have poured into my life: the beauty of this day, the comfort of loved ones, and the hope of salvation.
Fill me with Your peace, O God—a peace that surpasses all understanding. Guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus, so that even in the midst of life’s storms, I may find rest in You. Like the quietness of this desert evening, may Your peace settle over me, calming every restless thought and filling me with the assurance of Your love.
As the stars begin to shine in the vast New Mexican sky, I am reminded of the great Light that is coming into the world. Let my life reflect that Light, bringing hope and joy to those around me.
Come, Lord Jesus. Come into my heart, my home, and my world. Prepare me to welcome You with open arms and a rejoicing spirit.
In Your holy and precious name, I pray.
Amen.
I hope this prayer brings you comfort and peace through the night.
The Bible passages come from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyrighted © 1989, 1993 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America and are used by permission. All rights reserved. "Praying the Scriptures" is penned daily by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
