O Holy Night

2002 Advent Devotion Collection

December 29
READING: Isaiah 26.7-9

My soul yearns for thee in the night, my spirit within me earnestly seeks thee. Isaiah 26.9

For me, night has always been my preferred "prayer time" with God. In no way do I mean to diminish the importance of spontaneously communing with God at any time of the day. I just happen to find night's beginning or ending to be a time to pause and meditate; the day's activities are either over or not yet begun. All is quiet and I am alone with God. Many of our old hymns reflect this idea; "Now the Day Is Over" is just one example of many. Perhaps I can translate my thinking into poetry.

1. I search for you, Lord, in the stillness of the night.
   I commune with you, Lord, in the stillness of the night.
   I ask, talk, and listen to you, Lord, in the stillness of the night.
   I seek a renewal of spirit within me, Lord, in the stillness of the night.
   You manage to find me, Lord, in the stillness of the night.
   Your love and strength fill me, Lord, in the stillness of the night.
   Your answers heard and unheard come, Lord, in the stillness of the night.
   Your powerful presence is felt, Lord, in the stillness of the night.
   With the stillness of the night surrounding me, Lord, I know you are ever with me!

PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for giving us night's peace and quiet. In night's stillness, may we listen and find guidance. Most of all, may we feel surrounded by your everlasting presence and love in the stillness of the night. -- Pat A.

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