Advent Prayer

Here at the beginning of Advent, in the gospel reading from Mark 13:33-37, Jesus tells us “Be Watchful!  Be Alert!”.  This call is to let go of the world, the ways it can trap us, spending our time other than reflecting in prayer. We must listen to God’s call or we will miss the season we are in. Jesus tells us we won’t know when he returns, as it will come like a thief in the night, catching us off guard.  By taking time to be with God and asking the Holy Spirit to draw us closer to God, we will experience God more in our daily lives.

Many get caught up in the daily hectic lifestyle we have built our lives around and the days and months pass by without ever realizing God wants to touch us deeper and be more real than we ever imagined.  Throughout the New Testament God reveals himself as someone who wants to have a personal relationship with us.  This is attainable and will lead us to more joy and love in our lives. But if we don’t stop to take the time to build this relationship, life will pass us by and at the end of our days, we will realize how much we actually missed out and it may be too late.

Jesus goes on to say a man is about to travel and before he leaves, he puts servants in charge of many tasks.  Remember the parable of the talents using a similar story.  The servants don’t know when the man will return and if they are not watching and remaining alert to do what they were instructed to do, the man will return, and they will be caught off guard, even embarrassed.  Anyone who really knows God does not want to be caught off guard, but as the parable about the talents stated, we want to hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Matthew 25:21.

Advent is understanding God sent his son into this world, and just before leaving he promised he would return again. The focus then is both on his initial coming into the world and his second coming again.  This second time though, he will come to judge the world and to bring those who have prepared their hearts and lives to live with him forever.  Those who did not prepare will be like the five virgins who were not ready and had to leave and buy oil to light their lamps.  When they returned, God told them, “I do not know you.” Matthew 25:12. We must reflect upon where we are now and our eternal destiny. We must be ready. Too often, we take for granted that heaven is guaranteed as if we deserve it.

Advent is a time for reflection and asking God to come deeper in our lives, to open our hearts to what he wants for us and to experience his real presence.  May you spend time in prayer and reflection with expectation that God too wants to be a part of your life.  Call upon him, giving thanks, and praising him for the love and mercy he shows us now while we still have breath.  May you know him more and more and your life be filled with his love, mercy and joy overflowing. “May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’” Mark 13:37

For further reading, read “Prayer of the Heart”.