"Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."

Entrance Antiphon:
Rejoice in the Lord, always:
again, I say, rejoice.
The Lord is near.

Today's Readings

Daily Meditation:
Rejoice in the Lord always.

We begin this third week of Advent asking to feel the joy
that comes from knowing our Lord's coming to us is near.
In these precious days ahead, we are praying, longing, hoping
in the background of our everyday lives.

His mission is to the poor, the brokenhearted, prisoners and captives.
His mission is for us.  It is "good news," full of healing, liberty and release.
We can smile today as we imagine the freedom he has won for us
and how liberating it will be to live it, with him, for others.
It is right to give our God thanks and praise.

Lord, come and save us.  Is. 35

Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak,
say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not!
Here is your God,
he comes with vindication;
with divine recompense he comes to save you.  Is. 35

Today's Daily Reflection

Intercessions:
To God our Father, who has given us the grace
    to wait in  graceful hope for the revelation of
    our Lord Jesus Christ, let us make our prayer:
    Show us your mercy, Lord.

Sanctify us in mind and body,
- keep us without sin until the coming of your Son.

Make us walk this day in holiness,
- and live upright and devout lives in this world.

May we be clothed in our Lord Jesus Christ,
- and filled with the Holy Spirit.

Lord, help us to stand watchful and ready,
- until your Son is revealed in all his glory.

O WISDOM.
You came forth from the mouth of the Most High
and reaching from beginning to end,
You ordered all things mightily and sweetly.
Come and teach us the way of prudence!

Closing Prayer:
I lift my heart up to you, Lord,
to thank you for the blessings
you shower on me each day.

You are the 'joy of my soul.'
I know that in your great love,
I am held and protected by you.

I pray and listen to the good news you send;
I ask and feel the healing.
I am freed by you
from the things in this world
that let me hide from you.

I rejoice, I rejoice, down to my soul.
Help me to prepare my heart
to be open and able to receive your immense love.

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

---

 Praying Advent Home

"Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."

Opening Prayer:
All-powerful God,
renew us by the coming feast of your Son
and free us from our slavery to sin.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

Today's Readings

Daily Meditation:
And they shall name him Emmanuel,
     which means "God is with us."
Oh, how wonderful it is that Joseph listened to God in his dream
and was not afraid to take Mary into his home.
God's ways are not our ways.
Let us pray to be renewed and freed.
And, like Joseph, in being faithfully unafraid
to be open to our salvation.

She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,
     because he will save his people from their sins.  Mt. 1

Today's Daily Reflection

Intercessions:
To the Lord Jesus Christ, judge of the living dead,
    let us pray:
    Come, Lord Jesus!

Lord Jesus, you came to save sinners,
- protect us in times of temptation.

You will come in glory to be our judge,
- show in us your power to save.

Help us to keep the precepts of your law with the strength
    of the Spirit,
- and to look forward in love to your coming.

You are praised throughout the ages; in your mercy help
    us to live devoutly and temperately in this life,
- as we wait in joyful hope for the revelation of your
    glory.

O LORD AND RULER
of the House of Israel,
who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush
and gave him the law on Sinai:
Come, and redeem us with outstretched arms.

Closing Prayer:
Oh, Adonai, dearest Lord,
Compassionate God of justice,
so many areas of my life seem imprisoned
but you promise me real freedom
and peace in my life.

Renew my spirit and free my soul.
Please, open my heart
which you have bathed in the longing of Advent.

I am awe-struck as your glory fills the earth
and I want to follow you in caring for other.
Grant me the grace to see
how you shine your light on the poor
who have such a special place in your heart.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

---

 Praying Advent Home

 

"Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."

Opening Prayer:

Father,
you show the world the splendor of your glory
in the coming of Christ born of the Virgin.
Give to us true faith and love
to celebrate the mystery of God made man.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

Today's Readings

Daily Meditation:
But now you will be speechless and unable to talk
     until the day these things take place,
     because you did not believe my words,
     which will be fulfilled at their proper time.

In Zachariah's story we see how "unable to speak" we become
when we do not believe God's words of promise to us.
Let us trust that nothing is impossible with God.
Today, let's look at the ways we are being invited
to be open, to surrender, to trust, to love.
Let us become instruments of God's plan
in ways we might least expect.

My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!  Ps. 71

He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah
to turn the hearts of fathers toward children
and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous,
to prepare a people fit for the Lord.  Lk 1

Today's Daily Reflection

Intercessions:
To Christ our Redeemer who will come again to free from the power of death
all those who return to him, let us humbly pray:
    Come Lord Jesus! 

As we proclaim your coming Lord,
- cleanse our hearts of every vain desire,

Lord, may the Church which you founded,
- proclaim your greatness to all peoples.

Your law is a light to my eyes,
- let it protect those who trust in you.

You allow the joys of your coming to be foretold to us by your Church,
-may we receive you with eager devotion.

O ROOT OF JESSE,
that stands for an ensign of the people,
before whom the kings keep silence
and unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication:
Come, to deliver us, and tarry not.

Closing Prayer:
Oh, Jesus who descended from Jesse,
you are a sign of God's love.
I feel hopeful and expectant,
filled with a rebirth of joy and love.

I depend you so much.
You are a rock for my belief
and a sign of God's love.

Fill me with your praise!
I want to sing your glory,
filled with joy
for the message of hope you send.

I don't always understand
when you are acting on my behalf.
Thank you for the message of hope you send me.
Give me true faith and love
as I celebrate the mystery
of how you came to be with us.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

 

---

 Praying Advent Home

"Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."

Opening Prayer:
God of love and mercy,
help us to follow the example of Mary,
always ready to do your will.
At the message of an angel
she welcomed your eternal Son
and, filled with the light of your Spirit,
she became the temple of your Word,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

Today's Readings

Daily Meditation:
"Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
     May it be done to me according to your word."

Mary could become the "temple of God's Word"
because she was so ready to do God's will.
As we approach this anniversary of our redemption,
let's spend the day placing our life in God's hands
embracing the ways he will come to us
and let us be his instruments for others.

Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.

Today's Daily Reflection

Intercessions:
To Christ our Lord, the light of the world , let us cry
    with joy:
    Come Lord Jesus! 

Dispel our darkness with the light of your presence,
- and make us worthy of your gifts.

Save us, Lord our God,
- that we may praise your holy name this day.

Enkindle in our hearts the flame of your love,
- and make us long to be united with you.

You bore our infirmity,
-aid the sick and those who are to die this day.

O KEY OF DAVID,
and Sceptre of the House of Israel,
who opens and no one shuts,
who shuts and no one opens:
Come, and bring forth the captive from his prison,
he who sits in darkness and in the shadow of death.

Closing Prayer:
Oh, Jesus, you hold the key
that will unlock my constricted heart.
It gives me great hope
that Mary said yes to you and your plan.
She was filled with the Spirit
and put aside her own doubts.

I know you are ready to answer my prayers,
ease my doubts and calm my fears.
Sometimes I don't hear your messengers
because they aren't what I expect.
They aren't wearing wings or halos
but are the people standing in front of me.

How many times have I not listened?
How often have I balked at your messages
and your messengers?

Fill me with the light of your Spirit
and enter, in all your glory
into my life.
Let me rejoice!

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

---

Praying Advent Home

"Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."

Opening Prayer:
Lord,
hear the prayers of your people.
May we who celebrate the birth of your Son as man
Rejoice in the gift of eternal life when he comes in glory,
for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

Today's Readings

Daily Meditation:
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.

With just days until Christmas, we listen to readings of joy
and fulfillment.
We imagine the incredible meeting of Mary and Elizabeth.
With growing anticipation, we let ourselves simply believe
that the Lord's many promises to us these weeks
will be fulfilled.

Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield,
For in him our hearts rejoice; in his holy name we trust.   Ps. 33

Today's Daily Reflection

Intercessions:
To Jesus Christ our Lord, who came among us in his
    mercy, let us constantly cry out with joy:
    Come, Lord Jesus! 

You came from the Father to take on our human nature,
- now set us free what was harmed in us by sin.

One day you will come again in glory to your chosen people,
- come to us today and help us sinners to recognize your
    mercy and tender love.

We glory in praising you, Lord Jesus,
- come and bring us your salvation.

Through faith you lead us into light,
- may we reveal your justice through our deeds.

O Dawn of the East,
brightness of light eternal, and Sun of Justice;
Come, and enlighten those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death.

Closing Prayer:
Loving God,
It is growing in my heart:
An awareness and gratitude of your constant love for me;
Like the sun rising in the East
to warm and comfort my life
and to bring new growth.

Thank you for these weeks of prayer.
In the spirit of the season
my waiting, my patience,
feels sacred.

Bless my heart with generosity
and make me ready to receive you.

Come, Lord Jesus!  Come!

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

---

Praying Advent Home

"Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."

Opening Prayer:
God our Father,
you sent your Son,
to free us from the power of death.
May we who celebrate the coming of Christ in the flesh
share more fully in his divine life,
for he lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen
 

Today's Readings

Daily Meditation:
And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
    my spirit rejoices in God, my savior."  

Mary's response (the Gospel) based upon Hannah's prayer
(Responsorial Psalm) can be our prayer today.
Our anticipation of the coming of our Lord into our hearts grows
as we praise God for coming to us in our lowliness.

My heart exults in the Lord, my savior.

Today's Daily Reflection

Intercessions:
To Christ our Redeemer, who comes to save us from our
    sins, let us cry out with joy:
    Come, Lord Jesus!  

The prophets of old foretold your birth among us,
- now make virtue come to life in us.

We proclaim your saving work,
- now grant us your salvation.

You came to heal the contrite,
- heal the weakness of your people.

You came and saw fit to reconcile the world,
- when you come again in judgment, free us from the
    torments of punishment.

 

O KING OF THE GENTILES
and their desired One,
the Cornerstone that makes both one:
Come, and deliver us,
whom you formed out of the dust of the earth.

Closing Prayer:
Oh, king of us all.
I find myself standing before
your strength and splendor
watching, waiting
and filled with total joy.

You have lifted my mind in hope.
Now help me to open my life
the the coming of the Spirit.

I want to be like Mary, your mother.
Her wonderful courage and strength
inspire me to do the same.
She simply said Yes
and the impossible was done.

Thank you for this Advent journey.
The anticipation has filled my life
and made me long for
a closer relationship with you.

My life gets so busy that I forget to focus.
Thank you for guidance.
Thank you for the quiet moments
when I have felt your love.

Nothing will be impossible with God.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

---

 Praying Advent Home

"Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."

Opening Prayer:
Father,
we contemplate the birth of your Son.
He was born of the Virgin Mary
and came to live among us.
May we receive forgiveness and mercy
through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.  Amen
 

Today's Readings

Daily Meditation:
Zachariah asked for a tablet and wrote, "John is his name,"
     and all were amazed.
     Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed,
     and he spoke blessing God.
When Zachariah could say "John," that is, "God is Gracious,"
he was freed to give thanks and praise to God.

Let's each of us express our gratitude to our God
for coming to be with us, for forgiving our sins,
for saving us from the power of death.
Let's ask that we might be purified of all self-love
that we might receive his coming to us this week.

But who will endure the day of his coming?
     And who can stand when he appears?
     For he is like the refiner's fire,
     or like the fuller's lye.  Mal. 3

Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.

Today's Daily Reflection

Intercessions:
To God our Father who sent his Son to save mankind:
Show us your mercy, Lord.

Father most merciful, we confess our faith in your Christ with our words,
- keep us from denying him in our actions.

You have sent your Son to rescue us,
- remove every sorrow from the face of the earth and from our country.

Our land looks forward with delight at the approach of your Son,
- let it experience the fullness of your joy.

Through your mercy make us live holy and chaste lives in this world,
-eagerly awaiting the blessed hope and coming of Christ in glory.

 

O EMMANUEL,
God with us,
Our King and Lawgiver,
the expected of the nations and their Saviour:
Come to save us, O Lord our God

Closing Prayer:
Oh, Emmanuel,
"God-with-Us,"
You have touched me;
you are God-with-Me.

Thank you for these weeks of prayer.
In the spirit of the season
my waiting, my patience,
feels sacred.

Refine and purify my heart
with the hottest flame of your love.
Give me the courage of your prophets
and let me do what is right
even when others don't understand.

Bless my heart with generosity
and make me ready to receive you.

Come, Lord Jesus!  Come!

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.