[SPEAKER_00]: Take a deep breath, let it out slowly.
[SPEAKER_00]: As you do, remember that this is Advent, a season of waiting, hope, and quiet expectation.
[SPEAKER_00]: And Manuel, gone with us, is here.
[SPEAKER_00]: Closer the nail next breath.
[SPEAKER_00]: He sees you, he knows you, and he delights in drawing there.
[SPEAKER_00]: Let your heart slow down, let your mind be still, settle into his presence, and allow his peace to meet you right where you are today.
[SPEAKER_00]: Father, the hour has come, glorify your Son that the Son make glorify you, since you have given Him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given Him.
[SPEAKER_00]: John chapter 17, verses 1 to 2, ESV.
[SPEAKER_00]: Jesus, your word today, reminds me that you knew exactly what was coming.
[SPEAKER_00]: You knew the suffering, the cross, and the weight of the world's sin.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yet you didn't resist.
[SPEAKER_00]: Instead you asked the Father to glorify you, knowing that your glory would be revealed in your sacrifice.
[SPEAKER_00]: You, who holds authority over all flesh, laid down your line,
[SPEAKER_00]: so we might know a eternal life.
[SPEAKER_00]: What kind of king does that?
[SPEAKER_00]: Only one filled with perfect love, humanity and mercy.
[SPEAKER_00]: Today, I pause to acknowledge your authority.
[SPEAKER_00]: You are not only my Savior, you are my King.
[SPEAKER_00]: All things were created through you and for you.
[SPEAKER_00]: You hold the universe together, yet care deeply about me.
[SPEAKER_00]: You see my heart, thoughts, fears and failures.
[SPEAKER_00]: Even then, you come close.
[SPEAKER_00]: You knew every sin that every person would commit and you chose the cross.
[SPEAKER_00]: While I am still a sinner,
[SPEAKER_00]: And so, I thank you.
[SPEAKER_00]: I thank you for your obedience, your willingness, and most of all, your all-consuming, unconditional love.
[SPEAKER_00]: Thank you for not clinging to your authority for power sake, but instead using it to bring peace, healing, and salvation.
[SPEAKER_00]: Thank you for driving over St. Andy.
[SPEAKER_00]: and making a way for me to walk in new life with you.
[SPEAKER_00]: In light of who you are, I surrender all of who I am.
[SPEAKER_00]: I lay down my need for control and the weight of doing life on my own.
[SPEAKER_00]: You will learn a worthy to lead.
[SPEAKER_00]: Today, I choose to give you everything.
[SPEAKER_00]: My plans, my emotions, my relationships, my time, my finances, my past, present, and future.
[SPEAKER_00]: Teach me what it means to live under your Lordship, with joy and freedom.
[SPEAKER_00]: Help me to trust that your authority is not oppressive, but life giving.
[SPEAKER_00]: Lead me into a life that reflects your goodness and grace.
[SPEAKER_00]: Jesus, I crown you as King of my life, rule in my heart, be glorified in all I do, I love you and choose to follow you today and every day.
[SPEAKER_00]: I ask all of these in your holy name.