Hello Prayer Bench friends,
“I can’t believe Advent starts so soon.” I’ve had that conversation a few times lately. So here is an early December newsletter with three reflections you can use during Advent in personal devotions, worship, newsletter, or small groups. (Attribution to the Prayer Bench with the website is appreciated.)
And there is a final reminder of the Advent resources.
And the offer still stands: If you are not a 2022 paid Prayer Bench subscriber you can receive the 2022 Wake Sleep Advent Prayers and Practice if you sign up for one of the 2023 packages. (Please note that 2022 paid subscribers will receive it on Saturday, Nov. 19)
Review the 2023 Subscription Packages
Three Advent Reflections for you
The reflections are linked to the images below or you can find them on the Prayer Bench website.
Here are Advent Resources for you to explore.
Visit the Advent pages.
Last call for Wake Sleep Practice & Prayers
We’ve all had the experience of waking up in the middle of the night. It’s not always something we embrace.
Yet, experts say before the Industrial Revolution this “segmented sleep” was normal. Folk went to bed early, rose during the night for an hour or two, and returned to sleep until morning.
Tradition suggests that early Celts woke during the night, rose to make sure the smoored (smothered) hearth fire was still burning.
This middle-of-the-night time is embraced by some who enjoy rising to light a candle in the quiet of the night. It is a freer time perfect for gentle reading and reflection. It is also a space for prayer.
This is a collection of 26 Wake/Sleep prayers for your use from December 1-26. (You can pray them anytime!) Also included are four spiritual practices for Advent.
Remember you can receive this for free if you sign up for a 2023 subscription package.
This All Ages Guide: All Creation Sings is getting good reviews. Some are adapting it for worship, others planning an event, and some adapting for Sunday School. Have a look: All Creation Sings. Note that this resource is included in the NAVIGATING MYSTERY.
In Advent hope,
Janice, Host of the Prayer Bench.