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.
December 11
Father, when I become oppressed by the labor and burdens of the world, help me to unite myself to your meek and humble Son, who glories in making vigor abound for the weak.
December 12
Father, help me remain in front of the mystery of the presence of your Son, who comes to us through the Blessed Virgin Mary – the Mother of God, whose love makes us your own.
December 13
Father, free me from all my insolence and indignation, and empower me to confront my sins by hearkening to your life-giving commandments.
December 14
Father, turn back my heart to all those you give me to love and care for, and help me to welcome all those you use to reveal your divine Son to me.
December 15
Father, transform me so that I may rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, and refrain from every kind of evil, for you alone are the joy and the longing of my soul.
December 16
Father, may I never doubt the authority of Jesus your Son, but rather may I live abandoned to his lordship, seeing only what the Almighty sees, committed to integrity and truth.
December 17
Father, liberate me from all the regrets, grudges, and sins of the past that continue to haunt my life; help me to recognize your unfailing providence in all things, and to worship you in heartfelt homage.
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...