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.

Hello Friend. Awakening of the Heart Advent Retreat. Our theme on day five is praying for softened hearts, with a reward of connection and empathy with others.

Let us pray, Gracious Savior and Lord, we come before you with a heartfelt desire for open hearts.

Your promise in Ezekiel 36:26 inspires us, reminding us that you can replace our hearts of stone with hearts of flesh, filled with compassion and understanding.

We ask that you soften our hearts and those around us, breaking down the walls that hinder deep connection.

Help us to embrace vulnerability, allowing us to engage with one another authentically.

Teach us to listen with empathy, to seek acceptance and understanding before judgment, and to love unconditionally.

For in this season of hope, we long to reflect your love in our relationships.

Jesus, help us so we may be instruments of your healing peace, spreading kindness and compassion wherever we go.

Guide us to recognize the pain and struggles of others and inspire us to respond with grace and support.

Lord, let our hearts be open to reconciliation and healing, both within ourselves and in our communities.

May each encounter be an opportunity to express your love and kindness, fostering deeper connections and enriching the lives of those around us.

Fill us with your Spirit, igniting a passion to love and serve one another, so that they may sense and feel the love of God through us.

Amen.

Hello Friend. Awakening of the Heart Advent Retreat. Our theme on day 4 is lifting our families to God, with the reward being restoration of relationships.

Let us pray, Heavenly Father, we lift our families to you, recognizing the deep need for healing and reconciliation.

Your promise in Jeremiah 30:17 assures us that you will bring healing to our wounds and restore what is broken.

Father God, we invite your healing, peaceful grace into our relationships, asking you to mend broken bonds and reunite us in love.

Lord, we know that family relationships can be fraught with tension, misunderstanding, and hurt.

We pray that you soften our hearts and open our eyes to see one another through your compassionate lens.

Help us to communicate with kindness, listen with empathy, and forgive freely as you have forgiven us.

As we navigate the complexities of our relationships, grant us the wisdom to seek reconciliation and the courage to extend forgiveness, even when it feels difficult.

Let your love flow through our interactions, fostering an environment where compassion and understanding thrive.

We ask that you heal any rifts that have formed, thereby bringing about a beautiful reconnection within our extended family.

May this season be a transformative time, filled with joy, unity, and renewed connectedness.

Amen.