iCrucified

[14DEC2011] Advent – Week 3: Readings, Reflection, & Prayer

(The Daily Office—Year 2; The Book of Common Prayer)

♦ Psalm 119:49-72 ♦ 49, [53]

♦ Readings – Zech. 3:1-10 ♦ Rev. 4:1-8

♦ Matthew 24:45-51

I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws. I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge. I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees (Psalm 119:59, 66-67, 71).

Day after day, night after night, they keep on saying; “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD God, the Almighty—the one who always was, who is, and who is to come (Rev. 4:1-8).

The word of God is a tree of life that offers us blessed fruit from each of its branches. It is like that rock which was struck open in the wilderness, from which all were offered spiritual drink. Be glad then that you are overwhelmed, and do not be saddened because he has overcome you. A thirsty person is happy when drinking, and not depressed, because the spring is inexhaustible. You can satisfy your thirst without exhausting the spring; then when you thirst again, you can drink from it once more. -Ephrem the Syrian [Fourth Century Poet]

A Prayer—

Dearest Lord,
Your invitation settles in my soul:
“Turn to me and be safe.”
Something lets go inside when I take those words into my heart.
They are an invitation for me to rest.

So many moments of my life are filled with my own needs.
“Turn to me and be safe,” you say to me again.
Give me the great grace to let go from the depths of my soul.

I hear your invitation to ask for help
and I begin to list all the places in my life that need healing.
“Turn to me and be safe.”

You promise your saving help
and I know it is the only thing that can heal me.
I feel your presence in my life
and am aware of the growing joy I feel
as I anticipate celebrating the birth of your son.