Tuesday, December 9, 2008

A Prayer of Confession

Merciful God, always with us, always coming: We confess that we do not know how to preparefor your Advent. We have forgotten how to hope in miracles; we have ignored the promise of your Kingdom; we get distracted by all the busyness of this season. Forgive us, God. Grant us the simple wonder of the shepherds, the intelligent courage of the Magi, and the patient faith of Mary and Joseph, that we may journey with them to Bethlehem and find the good news of a child born for us. Now, in the quiet of our hearts, we ask you to make us ready for his coming. Amen.

--Janet Cawley, "Celebrate God's Presence"