{"id":3371,"date":"2017-12-12T00:06:54","date_gmt":"2017-12-11T23:06:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/?p=3371"},"modified":"2017-12-12T00:06:54","modified_gmt":"2017-12-11T23:06:54","slug":"2017-advent-hope-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/2017\/12\/12\/2017-advent-hope-3\/","title":{"rendered":"2017: Advent Hope #3"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"
\n(Photo: Lindy Twaddle)
\n <\/p>\n

ELIZABETH’S HOPE<\/em><\/p>\n

Luke 1:24\u201325  (NRSVA)<\/span><\/h3>\n

24<\/sup> After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she remained in seclusion. She said, 25<\/sup> \u201cThis is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favourably on me and took away the disgrace I have endured among my people.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thought<\/h3>\n

Have you ever given up hope? Sometimes God answers our prayers when we have almost given up hope of an answer. Elizabeth had given up hope of conceiving a child and yet with God all things are possible. <\/p>\n

What hopes do you have that are yet to be fulfilled, what prayers await an answer? Do not give up hope, trust in God! <\/p>\n

Poem: Elizabeth\u2019s Diary <\/span><\/h3>\n

Dear Diary,<\/p>\n

      Things are quiet round here at the moment, but what do you expect when Zechariah\u2019s lost his voice. And he says it\u2019s women who do all the talking.
\n      Still can\u2019t believe I\u2019m pregnant, at my age, what you would call a miracle I suppose. Thought I felt it move today; maybe it\u2019s just indigestion.
\n      Got a letter from our Mary \u2013 Poor lass is pregnant. That Joseph should have known better. Anyway she wants to come and visit for a while. Don\u2019t blame her. A baby is not the sort of secret you can keep in a place like Nazareth. She should be here any day now.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

Dear Diary,<\/p>\n

      Mary came today and I definitely felt the baby move. It wasn\u2019t indigestion; more like dancing to me. When I told Mary she began to sing a beautiful song like the one Hannah sang in the scriptures. I\u2019ve a feeling this baby of Mary\u2019s is going to be even more important than Hannah\u2019s Samuel. Mary says she conceived of God and amazingly I believe her.
\n      Zechariah still said nothing but I know he thinks this is really special too. <\/em> <\/p>\n

Prayer <\/h3>\n

Father, we thank you that all things are possible and that our times are in your hands. We bring you the hopes and desires of our hearts, trusting that your purposes will be fulfilled in our lives. Amen<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nXTRA XTRA XTRA<\/em>
\nChurch of Scotland Advent Calendar<\/strong><\/a>
\nJourney daily with characters in the Nativity through video, reflection and prayer\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(Photo: Lindy Twaddle)   ELIZABETH’S HOPE Luke 1:24\u201325  (NRSVA) 24 After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she remained in seclusion. She said, 25 \u201cThis is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favourably on me and took away the disgrace I have endured among my people.\u201d Thought … Continue reading “2017: Advent Hope #3”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[13,14,63,3],"tags":[96,98],"class_list":["post-3371","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-bible","category-meditation","category-poetry","category-prayer","tag-advent-2017","tag-hope"],"yoast_head":"\n2017: Advent Hope #3 - Prayer matters<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Elizabeth had given up hope of conceiving a child and yet with God all things are possible. 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Kim Hurst, minister in Valetta, Malta, has prepared a series of blog posts for the coming week on the theme of Advent Hope to comfort and encourage us, featuring thoughts and poems and prayers. To introduce the theme, I've selected a Scripture verse, a resounding\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "bible"","block_context":{"text":"bible","link":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/category\/bible\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/geneva_refuge.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/geneva_refuge.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/geneva_refuge.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/geneva_refuge.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5728,"url":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/2018\/12\/03\/3-prayers-for-advent\/","url_meta":{"origin":3371,"position":1},"title":"3 Prayers for Advent","author":"Irene Bom","date":"December 3, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"\u00a0 To kick off this month's theme, Prepare, here are 3 short prayers to ready our hearts for Christmas and for Jesus' Kingdom to come, now and in the future. \u00a0 (Links to additional resources for Advent included below.) \u00a0 Prayer of Invocation (inspired by Matthew 11:3-5) O God, we\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "prayer"","block_context":{"text":"prayer","link":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/category\/prayer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/autumn_leaves.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/autumn_leaves.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/autumn_leaves.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/autumn_leaves.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3307,"url":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/2017\/12\/11\/2017-advent-hope-2\/","url_meta":{"origin":3371,"position":2},"title":"2017: Advent Hope #2","author":"Kim Hurst","date":"December 11, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"(Photo: Lindy Twaddle) \u00a0 ADVENT HOPE Isaiah 9:6\u20137 \u00a0(NRSVA) 6 For a child has been born for us, \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 a son given to us; \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0authority rests upon his shoulders; \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 and he is named \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Wonderful Counselor,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "bible"","block_context":{"text":"bible","link":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/category\/bible\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/checkpoint_charlie.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/checkpoint_charlie.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/checkpoint_charlie.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/checkpoint_charlie.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3444,"url":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/2017\/12\/14\/2017-advent-hope-5\/","url_meta":{"origin":3371,"position":3},"title":"2017: Advent Hope #5","author":"Kim Hurst","date":"December 14, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"(Photo: Lindy Twaddle) \u00a0 JOSEPH'S HOPE Matthew 1:18\u201321 \u00a0(NRSVA) 18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "bible"","block_context":{"text":"bible","link":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/category\/bible\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/cross_in_snow.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/cross_in_snow.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/cross_in_snow.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/cross_in_snow.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3435,"url":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/2017\/12\/13\/2017-advent-hope-4\/","url_meta":{"origin":3371,"position":4},"title":"2017: Advent Hope #4","author":"Kim Hurst","date":"December 13, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"(Photo: Lindy Twaddle) \u00a0 MARY'S HOPE Luke 1:26\u201333 \u00a0(NRSVA) 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin\u2019s name was Mary.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "bible"","block_context":{"text":"bible","link":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/category\/bible\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/blue_flower.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/blue_flower.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/blue_flower.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/blue_flower.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":10534,"url":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/2020\/12\/13\/in-the-darkness\/","url_meta":{"origin":3371,"position":5},"title":"In the darkness","author":"Irene Bom","date":"December 13, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"The view from my kitchen balcony \u00a0(Photo: Irene Bom) \u00a0 A reflection on blessed darkness, including the darkness of the womb where \"the Christ-child was made ready for the journey into light\". Advent in the dark We wait in the darkness, expectantly, longingly, anxiously, thoughtfully. The darkness is our friend.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "reflection"","block_context":{"text":"reflection","link":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/category\/reflection\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/moon_clouds_and_cyprus_trees.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/moon_clouds_and_cyprus_trees.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/moon_clouds_and_cyprus_trees.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/moon_clouds_and_cyprus_trees.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]}],"rttpg_featured_image_url":null,"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"Kim Hurst","author_link":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/author\/kimhurst\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/category\/bible\/\" rel=\"category tag\">bible<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/category\/meditation\/\" rel=\"category tag\">meditation<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/category\/poetry\/\" rel=\"category tag\">poetry<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/category\/prayer\/\" rel=\"category tag\">prayer<\/a>","rttpg_excerpt":"(Photo: Lindy Twaddle)   ELIZABETH’S HOPE Luke 1:24\u201325  (NRSVA) 24 After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she remained in seclusion. She said, 25 \u201cThis is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favourably on me and took away the disgrace I have endured among my people.\u201d Thought…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3371","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3371"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3371\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3371"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3371"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3371"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}