Advent is near
Saturday Prayers
May you abide
in the places in between:
the thresholds, the passages,
the spaces of waiting
and patience and preparing.
May you give yourself
to the mysteries
that move us from what was
toward what is yet to be.
May you know
the company of the angels
who come only
to those ‘in transition’
and who love
the liminal places
and the treasures
that they hold.
“A Blessing Betwixt”, © Jan Richardson. [janrichardson.com]
As a part of this year’s Advent practice, I will host “Saturday Prayers” here on Carrie’s Bench.
It will be available each Saturday morning with an invitation to leave both joys and concerns in comments.
I invite you to join me as we prepare for this Advent…
Advent is near.
Some Christian calendars consider the first day of Advent as the beginning of the year - a new year. It is certainly the beginning of a time set apart to prepare for God’s coming among us.
We describe Advent with words such as doorway, threshold, and place of transition. We illuminate the long dark days of winter with hope for a glimpse of light at the edge of the horizon. We wait, not passively, but with active patience and a longing that calls for preparation.
How do we wait with active patience? I am certain there are creative and curious answers to this question. I would invite you to share what comes to mind.
One way to stay alert and patiently wait could be through prayer. Prayer – a practice that can be offered as a personal practice or communally. Prayer can be something one does to begin the day, to end the day, or it can be woven throughout all daily activities.
For over 10 years, I have posted an invitation for “Saturday Prayers” on Facebook. Bishop Steven Charleston began this tradition, and through it, I learned how far we can reach and be supportive of one another through a simple invitation. It was and still is an open invitation. No requirements. Welcoming all.
I began to offer “Saturday Prayers” while Bishop Charleston needed to take a leave in 2015. He was encouraging and reinforced the importance of this offering.
As a part of this year's Advent practice, I will host “Saturday Prayers” here on Carrie’s Bench.
It will be available each Saturday morning with an invitation to leave both joys and concerns in comments.