Evening Prayer for Thursday, December 19, 2024
Praying the Scriptures
Thursday Evening Prayer
December 19, 2024
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us, and we rejoiced. (Psalm 126:1–3)
Gracious and faithful Lord,
As the cool desert winds settle across the land this evening, I sit before You in awe of Your promises fulfilled. My heart recalls the joy of those who dreamed of restoration, of a people renewed by Your hand, as described in the psalm: "When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy."
I, too, have tasted Your goodness, Lord. The echoes of Your restoration resound in my soul. When I have wandered, You have drawn me back. When I have wept, You have filled my mouth with laughter. I cannot help but proclaim, "The Lord has done great things for me, and I am glad."
On this Advent night, as I await the celebration of Christ’s birth, I feel the stirring of hope for the fulfillment of all things in Him. In the quiet of this New Mexican evening, under a blanket of stars, I ask that You continue Your work of restoration in my life and in the lives of those around me. Restore our hearts, Lord, and bring us back to You with joy.
Let the beauty of this season, marked by the faint scent of piñon smoke and luminarias guiding our way, remind me of Your light breaking into the world. Fill me with anticipation, not just for the joy of Christmas but for the joy of Your kingdom come.
Tonight, Lord, I lay my burdens at Your feet. Turn my sorrows into shouts of joy. Remind me that even in the dry desert, streams of living water can flow. May my life testify to Your greatness, so that others may also say, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
Watch over me, my family, and my community this night. Keep us safe in Your embrace as we prepare our hearts for Your coming.
In the name of Jesus, the one who restores all things, 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.
