This first week of Advent, we will gather with God in silence, prayer, journaling, and discussion. Do these daily spiritual exercises alone or with others. You will need a Bible, a candle, and something to light it with. It’s OK if you don’t have a candle, just imagine or click here to light and here to extinguish. 

Isaiah 40:1–11 

Light the candle and pray: 
“Lord Jesus, Light of the world, awaken in me the hope of Your coming.” 
Sit quietly and simply watch the flame. 

Pray for God to speak to you through this passage.  

Read the Isaiah 40:1-11, pay attention to what phrases or words capture your imagination.  

Read the passage again.  Meditate on those words that call you to hope. Visualize the pictures described. Consider how these phrases feed your hope in God.   

Ask: God, where are you speaking hope into my life? 

Journal or share these with one another.  

Extinguish the candle and close in prayer. “Dear God, awaken your living hope in me today.”