Free Advent to Epiphany Devotional

Making Room: An Intentional Pause for Ministry Leaders

As a pastor, spouse, and mom, I’ve experienced the demands of the Advent and Christmas seasons that can leave you feeling pulled in many directions at once. Even though Advent is one of my favorite seasons of the church year, some years it seemed to pass in a blink as I was caught up in doing ministry but only had fleeting moments of worship myself. If this sounds familiar, this free devotional was created with you in mind. My hope is that I can pour into you as a church leader and care for you as you pour into and care for others during this season.

The first week’s devotion is available below. An installment will be delivered to your inbox Saturdays, November 26 through December 31, with the last devotion arriving Friday, January 6.

You will also be subscribed to Cultivating Sanctuary’s weekly email newsletter, which is the best way to receive new content and be among the first to hear about new opportunities and offers. We hate spam. We promise to protect your information and you can unsubscribe at anytime.

Week 1: Letting Go to Make Room

DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE OF WEEK ONE

Silence

Be still and attentive to God’s presence within and all around you



Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.



Meditation

Close your eyes. Breathe deeply of God’s Spirit and Grace.

Take a moment to connect with your God-given desires:

  • How do you want to move through these weeks of Advent and Christmas to Epiphany?

  • What do you want to feel?

  • How do you want to be able to show up for others? For your community? For your people?

  • How do you want to show up for yourself?

  • What is essential in this season? As a ministry leader? As a person?



Reflection

What can you let go to make room for these God-given desires in this season of Advent waiting?

Silence

Breathe deeply of God’s Spirit and grace



A Prayer for You as a Ministry Leader

Hold your hands or arms in a posture of receiving.

Gracious Lord Jesus, pour out your Spirit on your servant, (name). Center them/me in your compassionate power. Give them/me a discerning spirit for what should be done and what can be left undone. Remind them/me of your never-failing mercy and empower them/me with your love, promise, and hope in these days. Help them/me to find rest and refreshment in you and your creation and use them/me and their/my gifts for your service and glory. Amen.


Blessing

In darkness and in light, you are held, you are loved, you are enough. Amen.

Weekly Themes

Week 1: Letting Go to Make Room (see above)
Week 2: Making Room for the Unexpected
Week 3: Making Room for Rest and Renewal
Week 4: Making Room for What You Need Now
Week 5: Making Room for Redeeming Grace
Week 6: Making Room for Intention
Week 7: Making Room to Let Your Light Shine

Don’t miss out on upcoming installments!

Sign up to receive Making Room: An Intentional Pause for Ministry Leaders in your email inbox!

You will also be subscribed to Cultivating Sanctuary’s weekly email newsletter, which is the best way to receive new content and be among the first to hear about new opportunities and offers. We hate spam. We promise to protect your information and you can unsubscribe at anytime.

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