Preparing Your Heart for His Coming
November 28 - December 4, 2022
(A Scriptural Prayer Guide from Harvest Prayer Ministries)
Sometimes, in the rush of the Christmas season, we do not always focus our thoughts, our hearts and our minds on Christ, the very reason we celebrate. As you, your family and we as a church look toward the celebration of the birth of Christ (the first advent – His first coming), take time each day to focus on the One we long to see face to face. Set apart a time of devotion alone or together in community, to anticipate and await with delight the coming of the Christ Child – God’s own Son! Don’t allow Him to get lost in the shuffle of activity – even as you physically prepare to celebrate. Take time to prepare your heart for His coming . . . what is He calling you to do . . . how is He calling you to live for Him? These daily Scriptural prayers will help you to remain focused on Christ, and deepen your celebration – far beyond physical gifts, delicious food, or decorations. Instead, adorn your hearts with adoration. Take the time to prepare for His coming through Christmas and then to celebrate His Coming through the end of the month as you prepare to step into a new year!
Monday, November 28. “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:1). Lord, prepare our hearts to be set on things above because we have been raised with Jesus! We have new life because He came here as a baby, lived a sinless life, died on the cross and rose again! Help us to set our hearts on things above as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child.
Tuesday, November 29. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). Lord, prepare our hearts to seek You! You have promised that we will find You when we seek after You with all of our hearts. We seek after You today, Lord, as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Deuteronomy 4:29; Psalm 27:8, 119:10, 58)
Wednesday, November 30. “But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you” (1 Samuel 12:24). Lord, prepare our hearts to serve You. Help us to consider the great things You have done for us. We want to do everything for You alone, and do it faithfully as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Col. 3:23-24).
Thursday, December 1. “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:5-6). Lord, prepare our hearts to have a spirit of unity with other believers. Help us to have a spirit of unity so that we might glorify You and share everything we have with others. We want to glorify You, Father, in our family and in the Body as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Acts 4:32)
Friday, December 2. “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (2 Chronicles 16:9a). Lord, prepare our hearts to be fully committed to You! May we be completely focused upon You so that You can strengthen us as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: 1 Kings 8:61)
Saturday, December 3. “I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders” (Psalm 9:1). “I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever” (Psalm 86:12). Lord, prepare our hearts to praise You! You are worthy of all of our praise. May we tell of Your wonders and glorify Your name as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child.
Sunday, December 4—Second Sunday of Advent. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8). Lord, prepare our hearts to be pure. Help us to run away from sinful desires. Give us the ability to call on You out of a pure heart that seeks after faith, love and peace. Keep us from foolish arguing. Help us to desire pure hearts as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Psalm 51:10; Proverbs 22:11; 2 Timothy 2:22-23)