Advent - Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Anointed to proclaim

ISAIAH 61:1-4, 8-11¹   The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; ²   to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; ³   to provide for those who mourn in Zion — to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, to display his glory. ⁴   They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.⁸   For I the LORD love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. ⁹   Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the LORD has blessed. ¹⁰  I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. ¹¹  For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.

• Light a candle to remember Christ's presence with you.
• Sit in silent meditation five to fifteen minutes paying attention to the deep breath.
• What word or phrase captures your attention as you read through the text?
• Allow this word of phrase to grow within you.
• Read the text again.  What new meaning comes to you as you focus on this word or phrase?
• How is God anointing you in this word or phrase?
• Read the text a third time.  What is God asking you to proclaim?
• Put on this proclamation as if you are putting on a warm coat.
• Wear it all day.
• Share the proclamation as God leads you.
• Give thanks to God for the anointing and the proclamation.  Give thanks for any new insights you have received.
• Share as you feel led in the reply box below.

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, December 11, 2011, the Second Sunday of Advent Year B Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11Psalm 126:1-61 Thessalonians 5:16-24John 1:6-8, 19-28If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author.Permission to use in not-for-profit settings The Rev. Lil Smith, M.Div., DASD