Advent is a season of preparation and prayer. We are happy to share Fr. Peter Cameron’s day-by-day blessing for Advent, which we will publish on a weekly basis on each Sunday of the season.
Each brief daily Advent blessing focuses on a particular aspect of our spiritual preparation for Christ’s coming at Christmas and at the end of time, as reflected in the Scriptures of the day. You may use the opening prayer on Sunday or pray it each day.
Opening Prayer
Most merciful Father, this Advent I desire to rededicate myself to the pursuit of holiness. May I live these days of grace united with the Blessed Virgin Mary in loving awareness of the presence of the One who changes us – Jesus your Son. In my vigilant expectation of Christ’s coming, make me especially attentive to the wisdom of Sacred Scripture proclaimed in the liturgies of this holy season. May this blessed time of preparation be for me an occasion of conversion and spiritual rebirth. May each moment of my Advent bring me closer to you in faith, hope, and love through Emmanuel – Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Day-by-day blessing for Advent Week 4
December 18
Father, through the grace of the Gospel, salvation is born out of disappointment and heartache; be close to me so that I may face all of life’s contradictions with conviction and simplicity.
December 19
Father, my life is nothing but barrenness without the fruit of Mary’s womb, Jesus; assist me these December days before the Nativity so that I might surrender myself to grace-filled, saving silence.
December 20
Father, may the fearlessness and faith of the Blessed Virgin fill me so that I can empty my life of all doubt, sarcasm, pettiness, cynicism, and complaining.
December 21
Father, like blessed Elizabeth, so often I feel insecure and inadequate, unworthy of the gift of the visit of the Mother of your Son; embolden me to welcome Mary without reserve because she comes to assure me that I am your beloved one.
December 22
Father, give me rest from all my enemies; rescue me from shameful secrets that keep me miserable, and make my soul resound with the greatness of the Lord that Mary proclaims.
December 23
Father, your Son comes to save us from our sins; turn my heart back to you so that I may recognize at every moment my need to be refined and redeemed.
December 24
Father, your Son Jesus Christ reveals me to myself; as I dwell in the darkness of this Christmas Eve, guide me out of all slavery, vice, and sin into the way of the Prince of Peace.
December 25
Father, with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength help me to love the humanity of your Son so that I might share in his divinity and become a child truly fit for heaven.
Our Father …
From
Blessing Prayers, by Fr. Peter Cameron, O.P.
Available in print and eBooks at www.magnificat.com
© Magnificat – Used with permission.
And today we celebrate...