Prayers and Devotions

With great devotion and new depth of feeling,
I hope and beg, O God, that it finally be given me
To be the servant and minister of Christ the consoler,
The minister of Christ the redeemer,
The minister of Christ the healer,
The liberator, the enricher, the strengthener.
To be able through you to help many –
To console, liberate and give them courage;
To bring them light not only for their spirit
But also for their bodies,
And bring as well other helps to the soul and body of each and every one of my neighbours.
I ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pierre Favre, 1506 –1546

Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness,
send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do seek
quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.
We who are anxious over many things
look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways
long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, “Come, Lord Jesus!” Amen.

Henri J.M. Nouwen, 1932-1996