When I was in seminary my roommate and I coined a new word. It came out of an attempt to say the word "prepare" but somehow got jumbled and came out as "pray-pare." Initially we laughed about it, but after a while we grew accustomed to using it particularly when life got "lifey" and we would find ourselves in the throes of it. Yes, when those stresses hit us and everything seemed to be spinning out of control, we would look at each other and say, "It's time to pray-pare." Well, my friends, it's time to pray-pare.
It's another Black Friday! And many of us are off and running--to the stores, to the mall, online, standing in-line-- oh yes the holidays have officially started. And it seems like before we've had a moment to dip into the Thanksgiving leftovers it's time to take down the festive fall decor and put those candles in the wreath once more. Advent is here! But before you run out the door (to get new purple, pink and white candles for the wreath and whatever else is on sale) I want to remind you to take a moment and Pray-pare for Advent. Afterall, prayer is central to this season of preparation. So, Inhale. Exhale. Ahhhh.
This Sunday, December 1st, is the First Sunday of Advent. And I want to invite you to pause for a moment and allow the virtues of Advent which are hope, peace, joy and love to fill your heart and mind as we Pray-pare for Advent, together. You may even want to close your eyes and settle yourself before panic to get to the mall starts to settle in. In fact, if it tries to rush in, put one hand on your head and the other over your heart and tell panic that, "There's No Room Here for you today and only God's virtues are welcome to occupy this space." Then allow the shalom of God to settle in as we prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate the first arrival of Jesus and anticipate His second arrival.
Let us pray-pare:
"Our Father and Our God, Thank You for the season of Advent. Thank you for this new adventure. One that calls us to slow down and to enter into the Christmas season with our hearts and our minds and our eyes and our arms wide open. Thank You for the gift of Your Son, who is our Savior-- Jesus Christ. We are so grateful for the love that You extend to us on a daily basis. Help us to share hope, peace, joy and love with those that we encounter along The Way. Once again, thank You for a moment of pause as we Pray-pare for another beautiful Season of Advent. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen."
Comments