Episode 181 Transformational Takeaways from Advent 2024

Brian Russell shares his transformational takeaways from his study of the Scriptures related to Advent 2024.

Week 1: Psalm 50; Zech 14:1-8; 1 Thes 3:6–13, Luke 21:25–33

Our mighty One, God the Lord, who alone is the righteous judge and our redeemer and deliverer.

Help us to be mindful of the times so that we can wait expectantly and confidently for your arrival.

Fill our hearts with gratitude so that they are open for the infusion of your holy love in order that we may stand firm in faith and manifest love for one another and for the world at the coming of our Lord Jesus.

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Week 2 Psalm 126; Malachi 3:1–5; 1 Cor 4; Luke 3:1–6

Almighty God, who refines, purifies and restores the fortune of your people.
Forgive us our sins. Cut out the idols in our hearts and the injustice that manifests in our lack of love for our neighbors.
May we become stewards of your mysteries, voices of hope that announce your coming, and dreamers who embody before the world what you have done in Christ Jesus
Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit as One God, now and forevermore. Amen

Week 3 Psalm 85, Zeph 3:14–20; Phil 4:4–9; Luke 3:7–20

O God of our salvation, who embodies steadfast love, faithfulness, righteousness and peace,

Be powerfully present as in days of old. Grant us the courage of true repentance so that we may bear fruit that signals our readiness for the deep work you desire to do in us and through us.

Send your Holy Spirit and your fire. Renew and revive a people for yourself that we may exult before the nations in the good news of your salvation. 

To you our King: Father, Son and Holy Spirit be all glory now and forevermore. Amen

Week 4 Psalm 80, Mic 5:2–5a, Luke 1:39–56, Hebrews 10:1–10

O Lord, our God of the hosts of heaven,
Cause us to turn back to you so that we may be saved. May your loving gaze shine anew upon us during this season. 
We wait patiently for you to renew us as you did in ancient times. Grant us the faith of Elizabeth and Mary who received your Word and acted on it. Fill us with your Holy Spirit. Sanctify us fully through your Son our Lord Jesus Christ the coming One.
     To whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. 

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Brian Russell’s Books
Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/49MS0ee

Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ

(Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9

Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/

Brian’s Recommended Resources on Centering Prayer: https://www.brianrussellphd.com/post/my-top-ten-favorite-resources-on-centering-prayer

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