Lord God, only you can see into my heart and know that under all the busy-ness of my life, there is a deep longing to make this Advent one that welcomes you more deeply into my own life. My heart desires the warmth of your love and my mind searches for your Light in the midst of the darkness. Help me to be a peacemaker this Advent and to give special love to those who disagree with me. Give me the strength and courage to forgive those who have hurt me. Help me to free my heart from the prison of my anger and hurt.
Loving God, I sense that all is your creation and everything, and all of us, are being drawn back toward your loving heart. Help me to be a person of peace, To speak about it in an uneasy world, And to live it among the people you have put into my life every day. Light in me a desire to prepare for your coming to stand in the darkness, waiting, eager and filled with joy.
God of forgiveness, I turn to you in my great weakness and beg for your help. Let me feel the joy growing in my heart as I anticipate your coming. I hear the message of the prophets of old and know that the Messiah will bring new life and new ways of living. From the humbleness of my life, help me to grow and bloom and hear the words that will change the world.
Lord of all, you are a God of plenty, a Lord who provides for us in our need. As I begin these early days of Advent help me to believe that you know what I need. Give me the courage to listen to your voice and the freedom to open my heart to the graces you are offering me to place my trust in you.
God of strength and protection, I turn to you because I need help. I long to be free enough to trust that I can lean on you. But I become afraid. Help me to trust in you, Lord. Your strength and power are a gentle place of protection. Be a safe refuge when I am being trampled. I long for your help, your protecting care. Help to deliver me from the cold loneliness of these dark nights.
Jesus, protector, I long for your coming. The promise of new light is there if only I can believe. Protect me from dangers and lead me through the gloom and darkness to the joy I so long to find in you. Lift me from my lowly sins and give me the promise of salvation with no more shame, only the light and saving grace of your love. Let the ancient dream be fulfilled in you and peace come to this life and world.
God of us all, Thank you for the gift of Mary in my life. I rely on her to intercede for me with her son, and to guide me, especially in my family. Help me to learn the grace of humility, and give me the courage to say "yes" to you without always knowing where it will lead. Release me from the fears that grip me, the pride and stubbornness that keep me from you and others. Let me turn to Mary, so human, for an example of how I might live my own life more freely, more loving and more aware of you.
