Welcoming the Holy

Here we invite you to take time for yourself in personal prayer. The following spiritual reflection offers words and images which we hope will evoke for you an experience of God.

Advent is a season which calls us to desire and hope. When we look at the world around us we see signs of war and conflict, suffering from natural disasters, we see emptiness, poverty and limitation; yet we are still called to great and expansive hope. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season conflicts with the gentle, quiet awareness and expectancy we are invited to in the season.

Opening Prayer

Psalm 46

Response: Blessed is the one whose help is from God.

The Beloved is with us, the infinite Heart of Love. Come, behold the works of the Beloved. How love does reign even in humanity’s desolation.

For the Beloved makes wars to cease, breaking though the barriers of fear, shattering the greedy and oppressors refining hearts of iron!

Be still and know that I am Love. I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth! The one who knows all hearts is with us; The Beloved is our refuge and our strength.

Reading

On that day, a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The Spirit shall rest upon all: a Spirit of wisdom and understanding, a Spirit of counsel and of strength, a Spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord. Not by appearance shall Spirit judge nor by hearsay shall Spirit decide, but Spirit shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land’s afflicted. (Is 11, adapted)

Reflection

Now take some time for personal reflection

Take time now to enter into a few moments of silence. Allow God to quiet your heart and rest in God’s loving embrace. Let go of the busyness of your day. As you become quieter, take a moment to get in touch with your hopes and longings.

How is God inviting you to share your joy and hopeful expectation at this time?

Closing Prayer

Give thanks to our God who is good, whose love endures forever. May God bless us with grateful and loving hearts and fill us with joyful song. AMEN

Reminder

Never go ahead of grace by imprudent eagerness. But quietly await its movements, and, when it comes to you, go along with it with great gentleness, humility, fidelity and courage. (Maxim 84)