Hello Friend. Awakening of the Heart Advent Retreat. Our theme on day nine is that bold prayers honor God, and God honors bold prayers.

Let us pray. Jesus, the Son of God and the Son of Man, we come before you as you exemplified a secure heart rooted in the goodness of Father God. Help us to seek his will boldly and to lift our prayers with confidence, as encouraged in Philippians 4:6-7.

We thank you for the promise that we can bring our requests to you and that your peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds.

Help us to approach you in prayer with a spirit of confidence and boldness.

Teach us to lay aside our doubts and fears, coming with the full expectation that you hear us and can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.

Ignite our faith, empowering us to bring our biggest dreams and deepest desires before you.

Lord, we seek not just answers but a deeper relationship with you.

May our prayers align with your will, and may we trust in your perfect timing and wisdom in all things.

As we boldly pray, let us experience a profound sense of your presence, filling us with hope and assurance.

May this season awaken in us a renewed commitment to seek you and explore the depths of your power in our lives. Amen.

Hello Friend. Awakening of the Heart Advent Retreat. Our focus on day seven is life found in seeking Christ's presence, with a prayer theme that leads to an overflowing joy in our hearts.

Let us pray, Dear Heavenly Father, we pause to ponder the profound joy that comes from your presence through your death, burial, and resurrection.

The first sermon in the book of Acts, as well as throughout the psalms, declares that in your presence, there is fullness of joy. We earnestly desire to experience that joy of the spirit in our hearts and lives.

Help us to recognize that true joy is not dependent on our circumstances but flows from a deep relationship with you.

As we draw near, may your joy overflow in every part of our lives, transforming our hearts and renewing our spirits.

Teach us to find joy in the simple moments—in laughter shared, in the beauty of creation, and in the love that surrounds us.

Lord, release any heaviness or sadness that may hold us back, so that the light of your energy, life, and joy may flood our souls.

May your joy lift our spirits and ignite a sparkle within us that reflects your spirit of hope and goodness.

As we embrace this season, let us carry your spirit to our homes, our workplaces, and into our daily interactions.

May we be instruments of your joy, sharing it freely and inviting others to encounter the hope and love found in Christ, we pray. Amen.

Hello Friend. Awakening of the Heart Advent Retreat. Our focus on day six is embracing God’s mercy in our lives and for others through Christ's presence, with a prayer theme that leads to freedom from guilt and shame.

Let us pray, Gracious Father, we come before you in awe of the magnificent power of your mercy.

Your Word in James 2:13 reminds us that mercy triumphs over judgment, and today we choose to embrace that truth with open hearts.

We ask that you flood our lives with Your transformative love, overshadowing any feelings of guilt and shame that weigh us down.

Help us to recognize that your mercy is not just a gift for ourselves, but a wellspring from which we can extend grace to others.

As we reflect on your unconditional love, may our hearts be softened to forgive those who have wronged us and to release any bitterness that may linger.

Lord, let the spirit of grace flow freely through us, reshaping our interactions and attitudes.

May we become vessels of your mercy, radiating love and understanding to everyone we encounter.

In this season of hope, may we unlock the shame and condemnation from others.

May the joy of the Lord flow through us to unburden those laboring under their past mistakes.

May all sense the spirit of faith, hope, and love flowing from Christ to others so they may sense a newfound freedom that comes from knowing that they are loved, accepted, and redeemed in you.

In the life-giving name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, we pray. Amen.