Lectio Divina for the First Week of Advent
We begin our prayer:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit. Amen.
Stir up your power, we pray, O Lord, and come,
that with you to protect us,
we may find rescue
from the pressing dangers of our sins,
and with you to set us free,
we may be found worthy of salvation.
Who live and reign with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Collect, Friday of the First Week of Advent
Reading (Lectio)
Read the following Scripture two or three times.
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
Jesus said to his disciples: “There will be signs in
the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth
nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring
of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in
anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for
the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then
they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with
power and great glory. But when these signs begin
to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because
your redemption is at hand.
“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy
from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties
of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like
a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives
on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and
pray that you have the strength to escape the
tribulations that are imminent and to stand before
the Son of Man.”
Meditation (Meditatio)
After the reading, take some time to reflect in
silence on one or more of the following questions:
• What word or words in this passage caught
your attention?
• What in this passage comforted you?
• What in this passage challenged you?
If practicing lectio divina as a family or in a group,
after the reflection time, invite the participants to
share their responses.
Prayer (Oratio)
Read the Scripture passage one more time. Bring to
the Lord the praise, petition, or thanksgiving that
the Word inspires in you.
Contemplation (Contemplatio)
Read the Scripture again, followed by this
reflection:
What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord
asking of me?
There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the
stars. How do I experience God’s presence and
majesty in the natural world? How can I become
more aware of God’s gift of creation?
Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud
with power and great glory. When have I been most
aware of God’s power acting in my life? How do
my actions give glory to God?
Stand erect and raise your heads because your
redemption is at hand. How can I grow in my
longing for salvation? In this Advent, how can I
prepare my heart for Christ’s coming?
After a period of silent reflection and/or discussion,
all recite the Lord’s Prayer and the following:
Closing Prayer:
Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior,
and for you I wait all the day.
Good and upright is the LORD;
thus he shows sinners the way.
He guides the humble to justice,
and teaches the humble his way.
All the paths of the LORD are kindness
and constancy
toward those who keep his covenant
and his decrees.
The friendship of the LORD is with those
who fear him,
and his covenant, for their instruction.
From Psalm 25
Living the Word This Week
How can I make my life a gift for others in charity?
Before going to sleep each night this week, reflect
on your day to become more attentive to God
working in your life.
Excerpts from the New American Bible, revised edition ©
2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine,
Washington, D.C. and are used by permission of the copyright
owner. Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the
Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical
edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of
Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with
permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be
reproduced by any means without permission in writing from
the copyright owner.
Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal ©
2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy
Corporation. All rights reserved.