When I was ministering as a Youth Minister there was a
prayer we used to lead with the youth called Prayer in a Backpack. The prayer has been crossing my mind over the
past few days. Now that we are in Week 2 of Advent, and we got the right pair
of shoes on (or we have changed them a few times), I think we should look in
our Advent Backpacks.
In our Advent Backpack/Saddlebag we carry a:
Map – Lord, help us
on this Advent journey to be open to the path you are calling us to instead of
us always telling where we want to go.
Mirror – Lord,
help us to look at each person we encounter in the hustle and bustle and see
you and the light they offer.
Cash – Lord, help
us as we go about our shopping for the perfect gift to realize that the things
of real value in life are not measured by how much they cost.
Ball of String – Lord,
help us to set aside any grudges or petty jealousies that tangle up our hearts
and steal joy from us this season. Show us that you are the tie that binds.
Scissors – Lord,
help us to reflect on the ways we act and things we say so that we may cut out
our bad habits and dependencies and depend only on you.
MP3 player –
Lord, help us to tune into you and tune out the distractions that try and rob
from us the gift of this holy season.
Jewelry – Lord,
help us to remember generosity this Advent, keep us from wanting more and more
and putting things before people.
Watch – Lord,
help us to slow down and walk this Advent path with purpose and meaning. Teach
us to value the time we have with loved ones and friends, enjoying the moments
of the season and to make time for you. Yes Lord, to make time for you and with
you this season is key to the journey.
There it is... our backpack is not too full and it’s fairly
light. May these hand little items remind us to stay focused on Emmanuel as we
journey towards Christmas. May Mary and Joseph (fellow travellers who were open
to where the path may lead) inspire us on the rest of this Advent journey.
Continued Blessings of hope, peace, joy and love
as we journey to the light of the crib,
the light of the world:
Christ Jesus - Emmanuel!
*Prayer in a Backpack item ideas from Pathways to Prayer Booklet
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