The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Laetetur cor quaerentium: Let the heart of those who seek the Lord rejoice; seek the Lord and be strengthened, seek his face always. Entering into prayer today, pause to recognise that you too, are seeking the Lord, seeking his face, looking for the signs of his presence in your life, gently guiding you in truth and peace and love.

Laetetur cor quaerentium Dominum:

quaerite Dominum, et confirmamini:

quaerite faciem eius semper.

Confitemini Domino, et invocate nomen ejus:

annuntiate intergentes opera eius.

Today’s reading is from the Prophet Isaiah.

Isaiah 40:25-31

To whom then will you compare me,

or who is my equal? says the Holy One.

Lift up your eyes on high and see:

Who created these?

He who brings out their host and numbers them,

calling them all by name;

because he is great in strength,

mighty in power,

not one is missing.

Why do you say, O Jacob,

and speak, O Israel,

‘My way is hidden from the Lord,

and my right is disregarded by my God’?

Have you not known? Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He does not faint or grow weary;

his understanding is unsearchable.

He gives power to the faint,

and strengthens the powerless.

Even youths will faint and be weary,

and the young will fall exhausted;

but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,

they shall mount up with wings like eagles,

they shall run and not be weary,

they shall walk and not faint.

Today’s passage begins the second part of Isaiah, sometimes called the Book of Consolation.

It offers the Advent message of comfort and encouragement, and a promise of salvation.

Is this a message you need to hear today?

“To whom then will you compare me?”

How often do we reflect on the mystery of God’s power and care? Or are the priorities of the day a constant distraction?

The Lord invites us to look up - to see the stars in the heavens, the stars the Lord has named and set in place. There is always a moment of awe connected with the bright placing of the constellations.

Do you take time to lift your eyes from the “everyday” to the glory of the stars and the world around you?

“Even youths will faint and be weary.”

As we approach the end of the year, take a moment to recognise where you need renewal - physically, emotionally, spiritually.

“But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.”

As you listen to the passage again, consider how you might practice hope in your daily life...

Isaiah 40:25-31

To whom then will you compare me,

or who is my equal? says the Holy One.

Lift up your eyes on high and see:

Who created these?

He who brings out their host and numbers them,

calling them all by name;

because he is great in strength,

mighty in power,

not one is missing.

Why do you say, O Jacob,

and speak, O Israel,

‘My way is hidden from the Lord,

and my right is disregarded by my God’?

Have you not known? Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He does not faint or grow weary;

his understanding is unsearchable.

He gives power to the faint,

and strengthens the powerless.

Even youths will faint and be weary,

and the young will fall exhausted;

but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,

they shall mount up with wings like eagles,

they shall run and not be weary,

they shall walk and not faint.

“They shall mount up with wings like eagles.”

I don’t have to do it all myself; I am lifted by the Lord.

In these final moments of prayer, respond to the Lord - letting God know what you want or need today.

O Wisdom

Lord and Ruler

Root of Jesse

Key of David

Rising Sun

King of the Nations

Emmanuel

Come, Lord Jesus