The Prayer Of A Patient Saint

Service Structure

Welcome and Opening Prayer Greet attendees warmly and explain the significance of the candlelight service. Open with a prayer to set the tone.

Worship and Hymns Select meaningful songs, such as:

"Silent Night""O Holy Night""Amazing Grace"

Provide song sheets or project lyrics.

Scripture Reading Include passages that reflect the theme, such as:

For Christmas: Luke 2:1-20 (Birth of Jesus).For Unity or Reflection: John 8:12 ("I am the Light of the World").

Short Sermon or Message Share a brief, heartfelt message focusing on hope, light, and Christ.

The Prayer of A Patient Saint

Luke 2:29–33 KJV 1900

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart In peace, according to thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

INTRODUCTION

-adoration: prayer praising God

Patience - would not see death until he saw the consolation of Israel - The Messiah

Romans 8:25 "But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."

James 1:3-4 "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

Psalm 37:7 "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass."

Galatians 6:9 "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

Ecclesiastes 7:8 "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit."

Medical Benefits of Patience

Medical research suggests that patience has several positive effects on physical and mental health:

Improved Mental Health

Patience helps reduce anxiety and stress, leading to better emotional regulation. This can lower the risk of depression and promote overall well-being.

Better Decision-Making

Patient individuals tend to think through situations more thoroughly, avoiding impulsive decisions that can lead to regret.

Lower Blood Pressure

Studies show that patience reduces stress-induced spikes in blood pressure, supporting cardiovascular health.

Increased Longevity

Chronic stress is linked to shorter lifespans. By fostering patience, individuals can experience a calmer state of mind, contributing to a longer life.

Enhanced Relationships

Patience allows individuals to navigate conflicts more effectively, leading to healthier interpersonal relationships, which positively affect mental and emotional health.

Boosted Immunity

Managing stress through patience can enhance immune function, making the body more resistant to illnesses.

1. The Promise Was Personal - given to Simeon

Psalm 23:1 KJV 1900

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

A. Personal Peace

Romans 5:1–2 KJV 1900

1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Peace with God & Peace of God

B. Personal Salvation - God's Salvation to all

John 20:29 KJV 1900

29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

John 3:18–19 KJV 1900

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

John 3:36 KJV 1900

36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

1 Peter 1:8–9 KJV 1900

8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

John 20:31 KJV 1900

31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

-Having not seen yet believed a loved

2. The Prophecy Was Presented -

A. Prepared For all people (Prophecy)

Isaiah 25:6–9 KJV 1900

6 And in this mountain shall the Lord of hosts make unto all people A feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, Of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined. 7 And he will destroy in this mountain The face of the covering cast over all people, And the vail that is spread over all nations. 8 He will swallow up death in victory; And the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; And the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: For the Lord hath spoken it. 9 And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; We have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, We will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

God will wipe away all tears.

B. Presented light To the Gentiles (Prophecy)

3. The Pondering Was Peaceful (meditate, think much about)

Luke 2:11-14

Luke 2:11–14 KJV 1900

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, Good will toward men.

Romans 5:1 KJV 1900

1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

John 3:16 KJV 1900

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

a Savior, Christ the Lord

A. Marveling Is Precluded By thinking

John 5:24 KJV 1900

24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Believe on Jesus, have everlasting

B. Marveling is Ignited by Giving Thanks

Romans 6:23 KJV 1900

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Jesus will save people from their sins -

Matthew 1:21 KJV 1900

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Conclusion:

A mystery revealed in the flesh

1 Timothy 3:16 KJV 1900

16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

Candle-Lighting Ceremony

Leader's Candle: Light the first candle from a central “Christ candle” or another significant source.

Spread the Light: The leader lights the candles of the first row, and attendees pass the light to each other.

While lighting, you may:

Read a Scripture

Matthew 5:14–16 KJV 1900

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Sing a hymn (e.g., "Silent Night").

Silent Reflection Allow a moment for attendees to reflect on the light, peace, and message of Christ.

Closing Prayer and Benediction Thank everyone for attending, and close with a prayer of blessing.

After the Service

Extinguish Candles Safely Provide instructions for extinguishing candles, and have volunteers collect them.

Fellowship Opportunity Consider offering refreshments like hot cocoa or cookies for fellowship.

Cleanup Ensure all candles and decorations are properly cleaned up and the area is safe.