Advent Instrumental – by Don Coppo
Monday, Day 9: The with-God life
“Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to be fulfilled?”
Mark 13:4
Thought: Tell us when?
In today’s lectionary reading Jesus talks about what is classically called the “second coming”. This is when all of history will culminate and come to an end. But the question “Tell us when?” is continual in the with-God life. We have challenges with waiting. We are an impatient people. Advent is the Christian tradition that teaches us how to wait in the moments between the now and the not yet. How to hope in the unknown, unresolved unfinished moments of our life. Whether you are waiting for healing or other answers from God, waiting is the discipline that graces us to live into our best life.
Practice: Notice what you are waiting for… stay in that place and instead of asking when… watch for how God is with you in the waiting…
Journal or talk to a spiritual friend about “waiting”.
Prayer:
Wondrous Worker of Wonders, I praise you, not alone for what has been,
or for what is, but for what is yet to be.,
for you are gracious beyond all telling of it.
I praise you that out of the turbulence of my life
a kingdom is coming, is being shaped even now
out of my slivers of loving, my bits of trusting, my sprigs of hoping, my tootles of laughing, my drips of crying,
my smidgens of worshiping; that out of my songs and struggles,
out of my griefs and triumphs, I am gathered up and saved,
for you are gracious beyond all telling of it.
I praise you that you turn me loose
to go with you to the edge of now and maybe, to welcome the new,
to see my possibilities, to accept my limits,
and yet begin living to the limit of passion and compassion
until, released by joy, I uncurl to other people
and to your kingdom coming, for you are gracious beyond all telling of it.
I Praise You For What Is Yet to Be, Ted Loder, Guerrillas of Grace
Bluebook (Lectionary) Reading: Mark 13:1-13
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©Advent Music 2011-by Don Coppo