Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  (Heb 12:1 NIV)

We are weighed down by idleness, sloth, laziness, lethargy, wariness, tiredness, exhaustion and inertia. It’s as if its still night and we’re not in the middle of day yet. Drowsiness and sleepiness hamper us. Let us continue to pray to our Lord and God that he will help us fight these sins as we try to go about the calling of our office. He will hear and surely help us. He will also assist us in the struggle against entangling sins. He will keep and protect us, forgive and heal us for his own name’s sake. He is our saviour and redeemer.  Amen.

Lord God, as the day draws to a close and the week is ending, we draw close to you, who is not subject to the dictates of time and change. We lay  this week back into your hands. Forgive where we have failed. Repair all damage and heal all wounds and ills. We are wearied by the constant changes in our life. We yearn to be in your glorious light always. Lord, we thank you that you bear us by your gracious forbearance and mercy. We are grateful that you are leadings us constantly to your enduring peace. We are so glad that tomorrow is your day. Let our souls find rest and solace in you. Grant that we hear your Word. Lord, save us, strengthen us, prepare us. We hope in your help o Lord. You lead us well. You will do all to our best. We praise your name o Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, God of all mercy and our most blessed sanctuary. Praise and thanks to you now and forever. Amen. (G. Mensching)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Saturday after the first Sunday in Advent. It is found on Pg. 13 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.