Throughout Advent we will stay awake to the degree we are faithful to personal prayer.
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower of Jesus, beautifully expresses the essence of Christian prayer. She writes, “For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy” (Story of A Soul).
Looking toward heaven expands our horizon, enabling us to avoid the doldrums of mediocrity and settling in to a chilling apathy.
One of the ways to pray is to take up and read God’s Word. With Advent we initiate a reading of Matthew’s Gospel at Sunday Masses. Spending time daily with Sacred Scripture heightens our desire to seek Christ Jesus in our daily living. Ordinary experience becomes the occasion for encountering God. Unconcern gives way to deepening care.
TIP: Read something from the Gospel of Matthew every day beginning today through Christmas. Couples and families might read aloud a verse or two as part of your meal prayer or as your bedtime prayer together.
TIP: Pray for the desire to pray more.
