It Is Well with My Soul: The Sacred Roots Annual 2022-2023

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T he S eason of A dvent

D eparting to S erve Benediction

O eternal God, the creator and preserver of all mankind, who carest for thy human children of every race and nation; make haste, we beseech thee, to help us, for our transgressions have overtaken us; we are compassed about with many and great evils, till we know not where to turn. Look upon us in thy compassion, and come speedily to our aid. Bring us to repentance for the sins which we have all committed against thee, that thou mayest forgive us our sins, and form a right spirit within us, and guide our feet into the way of peace. Put to shame those who would make darkness to be light and light to be darkness. Confound those in whom lust for wealth or power is threatening the world with new disasters. Open the eyes of those who are blinded by ignorance, fear, or prejudice. In thy great mercy bring good tidings to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, set at liberty the oppressed, and fill with rejoicing all workers of good. Let the whole earth be filled with thy praise, O Lord, heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God; and unto thee be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen. ~ Earnest Fremont Tittle. A Book of Pastoral Prayers. NewYork, NY: Abington-Cokesbury Press, 1946. p. 52-53. Affirmation for the Day Sunday: Jesus is Immanuel, God with us. Monday: Joseph was a just and honorable man who wanted to shield Mary from execution. Tuesday: Jesus’s birth fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy that a virgin will bear a child who will be Immanuel. Wednesday: oseph shows incredible faith by obeying the word of the angel in his dream. Thursday: The name Jesus corresponds to the Hebrew name Joshua, and means “The Lord saves.” Friday: Joseph is a son of David, one in the royal line who could sit on David’s throne.