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?
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.
Think About This: “Ye seek peace from the world; real peace is in Christ say not, peace, peace, but, the cross, the cross.” – Martin Luther
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
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Based on 356 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
debra aufiero
18:09 15 May 23
Beautiful atmosphere/scenery. Inspiring speaker. Accommodating me with a gluten free lunch was great. Spoke with a young man who told us that this place changed his life. This gave us a chance to witness to him by telling him the gospel message.
Samantha Ferrick
12:26 14 May 23
Love being here. It's so beautiful, peaceful and fulfilling.
Kathy Cruz
19:37 28 Apr 23
Amazing place!! Beautiful scenery. Great service!
Evelyn Zayas (Smiley)
21:17 26 Apr 23
It was a wonderful experience. Besides the spiritual side of it, the place is absolutely gorgeous. Delicious food. The only thing I didn't like were the ants in the bedroom.
Karen Occhiogrosso
13:28 25 Apr 23
I have been to Keswick many times for the monthly hymn sings, and some retreats. Lots of good Christian music and Bible teaching for those who attend, as well as good meals to share around the table. The testimonies from members of the Colony and... Barbara's place attest to the power of Christ to change lives. Always a rewarding experience!read more
Richard fericy
13:14 21 Apr 23
Love Keswick
LaDonna Hankinson
13:32 10 Mar 23
This place is a beautiful place to have a retreat. You can join one of Keswicks planned events or use the facilities for you own group. The grounds are beautiful and a great place to find some peace and tranquility.The staff are amazing, and... really make a person feel at home. The grace of God is evident throughout the ministry.My favorite part is the music/worship time. Drawing me to connect with God personally.The meals are prepared with love and very accommodating to special needs.If you're not there for a retreat, and just need a bed and breakfast that is an option as well.read more
Edwin Rivera
23:00 07 Mar 23
Loved it! Beautiful campus! I really had a good time at the dinner and a concert. Awesome experience all around. Will definitely be returning and will be bringing friends and family.
Cesar Alvaro
18:35 06 Mar 23
Hermoso lugar bastante tranquilo y acogedor mis hijos se divierten mucho y nos llenamos espiritualmente de la palabra de Dios.
Zoraya Quevedo
22:36 05 Mar 23
Peaceful place to relax, and good for retreat
Hector Gama
21:39 05 Mar 23
Lugar hermoso,para retiros, conferencias y estudios biblicos.Personas amables, generosas y muy respetuosas.
John Mackert
14:37 03 Mar 23
Visited the alcohol rehab facility because a friend was in the program. Christian based, very positive environment, 4 month program. They are doing great work there. Visitors allowed every other weekend. We had a great time at one of their... Christian services. We watched the superbowl together and they even fed us! Very generous.read more
Andrea Conti
01:19 03 Mar 23
Awesome business great people. Very honest
K.B.D Janitorial Supply SUPPLY66COM
01:02 25 Feb 23
Very one very nice and it a buitful place and peaceful
Charlie Amiano
21:35 20 Jan 23
We went to an event for Gold Star Mothers. These are parents of an active duty soldier who was killed. Keswick was a fantastic place to have this event. It was clean food was great people were fantastic.
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 356 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
debra aufiero
18:09 15 May 23
Beautiful atmosphere/scenery. Inspiring speaker. Accommodating me with a gluten free lunch was great. Spoke with a young man who told us that this place changed his life. This gave us a chance to witness to him by telling him the gospel message.
Samantha Ferrick
12:26 14 May 23
Love being here. It's so beautiful, peaceful and fulfilling.
Kathy Cruz
19:37 28 Apr 23
Amazing place!! Beautiful scenery. Great service!
Evelyn Zayas (Smiley)
21:17 26 Apr 23
It was a wonderful experience. Besides the spiritual side of it, the place is absolutely gorgeous. Delicious food. The only thing I didn't like were the ants in the bedroom.
Karen Occhiogrosso
13:28 25 Apr 23
I have been to Keswick many times for the monthly hymn sings, and some retreats. Lots of good Christian music and Bible teaching for those who attend, as well as good meals to share around the table. The testimonies from members of the Colony and... Barbara's place attest to the power of Christ to change lives. Always a rewarding experience!read more
Richard fericy
13:14 21 Apr 23
Love Keswick
LaDonna Hankinson
13:32 10 Mar 23
This place is a beautiful place to have a retreat. You can join one of Keswicks planned events or use the facilities for you own group. The grounds are beautiful and a great place to find some peace and tranquility.The staff are amazing, and... really make a person feel at home. The grace of God is evident throughout the ministry.My favorite part is the music/worship time. Drawing me to connect with God personally.The meals are prepared with love and very accommodating to special needs.If you're not there for a retreat, and just need a bed and breakfast that is an option as well.read more
Edwin Rivera
23:00 07 Mar 23
Loved it! Beautiful campus! I really had a good time at the dinner and a concert. Awesome experience all around. Will definitely be returning and will be bringing friends and family.
Cesar Alvaro
18:35 06 Mar 23
Hermoso lugar bastante tranquilo y acogedor mis hijos se divierten mucho y nos llenamos espiritualmente de la palabra de Dios.
Zoraya Quevedo
22:36 05 Mar 23
Peaceful place to relax, and good for retreat
Hector Gama
21:39 05 Mar 23
Lugar hermoso,para retiros, conferencias y estudios biblicos.Personas amables, generosas y muy respetuosas.
John Mackert
14:37 03 Mar 23
Visited the alcohol rehab facility because a friend was in the program. Christian based, very positive environment, 4 month program. They are doing great work there. Visitors allowed every other weekend. We had a great time at one of their... Christian services. We watched the superbowl together and they even fed us! Very generous.read more
Andrea Conti
01:19 03 Mar 23
Awesome business great people. Very honest
K.B.D Janitorial Supply SUPPLY66COM
01:02 25 Feb 23
Very one very nice and it a buitful place and peaceful
Charlie Amiano
21:35 20 Jan 23
We went to an event for Gold Star Mothers. These are parents of an active duty soldier who was killed. Keswick was a fantastic place to have this event. It was clean food was great people were fantastic.