Devotions and the Practice of Prayer
Our faith is more fully alive when we deepen in relationship with God. Prayer is the means of communication with God. In prayer we both listen and offer things up to God. There are almost as many ways to pray, as there are people of faith. At Advent Lutheran Church, we encourage everyone to explore and practice the ways of prayer that best bring him or her closer to knowing and sharing their lives with God.
Prayer and devotions are part of the fabric of Advent. Before every gathering, we begin with prayer and devotions, which is a time that reminds us that God is with us and leads us to appreciate the sacredness of our time in the company of others and the purposes that bring us together. Together we listen for what the Spirit might be bringing to the church.
During times of devotion and prayer, our attention is on God. We praise God. We listen to God. We offer ourselves to God. We lift up others to God. We bring our cares, hopes and wishes to God. We ask for healing and we seek direction. We ask for the courage, the strength and the power to live out God's will in our lives through the grace and love of Christ.
Log onto www.upperroom.org/devotional/email for more information about devotions and the practice of prayer.
Throughout the life of Advent, we encourage and foster a life of prayer and devotion. Some opportunities for deepening devotions and the practice of prayer at Advent Lutheran Church include Healing Prayer Ministry, a daily prayer and devotional email. Request from francis_gilroy@yahoo.com.