The Fourth Week of Advent
Sunday

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 others.
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!

The Fourth Week of Advent
Monday

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!

The Fourth Week of Advent
Tuesday

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!

The Fourth Week of Advent
Wednesday

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!

The Fourth Week of Advent
Thursday

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!

The Fourth Week of Advent
Friday

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!

The Fourth Week of Advent
Saturday

Oh, God-With-Us,
For so long you have promised
forgiveness, peace, salvation.
Now in my heart, I am filled with joy
because of your coming.

Thank you for your promises
and for the way I can trust in you.
I feel a new freedom in my life
and a courage I have not known before.

I know you came to save me and bring new life
and I am so grateful to you.
Let me show my thankfulness
with my life.
You have brought me through the darkness
and into the light of your saving grace.

Guide my feet on the way of peace.

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