Leawood, Kansas, United States - The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Daily Guide grow. pray. study. for Sunday, 30 November 2014 "Prayer Tip"

Leawood, Kansas, United States - The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Daily Guide grow. pray. study. for Sunday, 30 November 2014  "Prayer Tip"
Prayer Tip:
Happy First Sunday in Advent! How appropriate that this Sunday we should light the Hope Candle. This week left many of us looking for hope in the face of conflict and confusion. There could not be a better time, I don't think, to remember the hope that entered the world at Jesus' birth.
Hope isn't just a good feeling that if we wish hard enough, good things will happen. Romans 5:5 tells us that hope is "God's love" that "has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us." Prayer is how we connect with the Holy Spirit and invite hope into our lives and into all situations.
This week, as we light the candle of Hope and begin our season of waiting with joy to celebrate Jesus' birth, here is a prayer to bless each of us:
Prayer for hope and strength
Almighty God,
You reach into the darkness with hope, truth and light. Stretch out your strong hand in this situation, hold and rescue those who have suffered. Let your almighty love move mountains, cross seas and breathe life into the darkest places.
Light that redeems.
Light that restores.
Light that heals.
Light that protects.
Light that saves.
There is nothing higher, stronger or greater than your love.
We trust in you.
(a modern prayer for hope from www.lords-prayer-words.com)[Jennifer Creagar, Coordinating Assistant - Prayer]

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