Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 15, 2024

Date: 3rd Sunday of Advent

Scripture Text: Philippians 4:4-7

Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The second reading for this Sunday is from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians and reminds us that we are called to be people of joy, knowing our LORD is near. With confidence, we are called to bring our needs to the LORD. Faith in power and presence of our LORD, manifestations of the LORD’s great love for us gives us cause for joy and brings us peace.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I trust in the power and presence of the LORD at work in my life, my world, in me?

Praying:

LORD, we rejoice because we know with our whole being that You are and that You love us always and everywhere. We stand in awe as we see and sense your power and presence around us, in us. We bring to You with confidence our needs. Grant that we may bring our joy in our relationship with You everywhere and everyone. Guard us in our comings and goings, this day and all days. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.