Evening Prayer for Thursday, December 12, 2024
Praying the Scriptures
Thursday Evening Prayer
December 12, 2024
He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God. (John 1:11–12)
Heavenly Father,
As the evening quiet settles over this New Mexican desert, I lift my heart to You in the spirit of Advent, yearning for the light of Christ to shine in my life and in this world. The stars begin to pierce the deepening sky, reminding me of the hope and promise that You have given to all who receive Your Son.
You sent Him into the world, but so many did not recognize Him. Lord, how often have I, too, turned away, caught up in distractions, or blinded by my own understanding? Forgive me for the moments when I fail to welcome Your Word into my heart. Yet You, in Your infinite grace, do not withhold Your love. You extend the gift of belonging, the right to become Your child, to all who receive and believe.
Tonight, I receive You anew. I open my heart to Your transforming presence. I surrender my doubts, my fears, and my imperfections. Let the light of Christ dwell richly in me, that I may reflect Your love to others. Here, in this sacred space, under the vast expanse of New Mexican skies, I am reminded that Your invitation is for all people, from every corner of the earth, including this humble corner of the desert.
Help me, Lord, to live as Your child—with courage, with compassion, and with a heart that testifies to the truth of Your love. Let my life be a beacon, pointing others toward the One who came to save us, the Word made flesh, Emmanuel.
As I rest tonight, may Your peace surround me. Prepare my spirit for the coming of Christ, not just as a celebration of His birth, but as a daily encounter with Your boundless grace.
In the name of Jesus, who gives me the right to be called Your child, I pray.
Amen.
May this prayer bring you peace and comfort as you end your day.
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.
