A Prayer for Filling Our Hearts with Jesus, the Lord of Advent

Posted on December 12, 2022 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.” (Isa. 9:6–7)

Over the past ten years, I have been collecting and reading prayers that have been written by the Puritans and other Pastors and Christian readers to help me in developing my prayer life.

So many of the prayers have such a Christ-centered Gospel focus that is lacking so often in my personal prayer life. Years ago, I was introduced to Pastor Scotty Smith, who has been ministering for years in Nashville and has two books on Prayer.

Here is a rich prayer for filling our hearts with Jesus, the Lord of Advent and the real meaning of Christmas. Take some time and read it slowly:

 

Dear Lord Jesus, knowing that it’s possible to “do Christmas” and miss Advent, today I want to fill my heart as full as possible with you. You are the One who has come and is coming again. Isaiah’s words fuel my worship and shrink my worries.

Hallelujah, so many times over! Knowing the government of the whole world already rests on your shoulders fills me with a joy second only to knowing your shoulders fully bore the sin of the world, including mine. As this day begins, I gladly surrender to your reign of grace.

You are Wonderful Counselor—our righteousness, holiness, and redemption (1 Cor. 1:30). In you are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:3). I look to you for knowledge of great mysteries but also for wisdom about handling fresh disappointments, old hurts, and unfulfilled longings. You care so tenderly for your lambs.

You are Mighty God, Creator and sustainer of the entire universe—the One for whom all things have been made and in whom all things are being summed up (see Eph. 1:10 NASB).

Lord Jesus, to see you is to see the Father and to know you is to know the Father; in this sense you are Everlasting Father. We would never be able to cry, “Abba Father,” if you had not first cried, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46).

Indeed, you paid the price of our peace and so deserve the title Prince of Peace. Thank you for the wonder of your reconciling grace and power. Thank you for destroying hostilities and for securing the day of no more broken relationships, racism, or war of any kind.

I long for the fullness of your peace, in my heart and in our world. For your broad shoulders, big heart, and coming kingdom, I honor, praise and adore you, O blessed Messiah and Redeemer, Jesus. In your matchless and merciful name I pray. Amen.

Smith, Scotty. Every Season Prayers (pp. 283-284). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

 

As we enter another week of preparation for the celebration of the birth of our Savior, would you consider writing a prayer about filling your heart with Jesus? And if you do, would you please share it with me?

Have a blessed week!!

In His grip,

Bill Welte, President/CEO
America’s Keswick

You can email Bill at bwelte@americaskeswick.org

 

Written by Bill Welte: President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his childhood sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 12 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.

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This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing— Life forevermore.” Psalm 133:3