Getting Ready For Advent

by Penny Bailey

Another Liturgical Year has come and gone. What will you do this year differently from years past? There is so much going on in society that we sometimes forget to stop and rest in the presence of God.

This year that is what I am going to choose to do – spend time in Adoration.

Tips for Adoration

Here are some things I will try to do:

Go with love. Plan when to go to Adoration. Decide to have a specific focus (or not) for this Adoration time. Decide what prayers to pray. Plan what I will bring to Adoration. Plan how long to stay.

Being Flexible – knowing that I can only do the best I can! I want to start my day in Adoration. I am thankful that I can do this at the church onsite where I work.

I will focus on being still and present.

Prayers – The Rosary, The Divine Mercy Chaplet, my favorite “Here I am Jesus, I am ready so use me today as you see fit”. Then sit quietly and be still – listen for Him.

I will bring my heart, and a rosary.

15 minutes and work my way up to a longer time. It will be the start of a more intentional time in prayer with God.

Hearing God takes practice and surrender. Sometimes, you hear nothing, sometimes you feel peace, sometimes you feel reminded to do something. I am looking for PEACE this advent season. It hasn’t been a tough year, but I do feel like I have been moving to my own drum, not His. I want to Let Go and Let God, but that is a tall order, not for God but for me.

I know that being present is what I need most. The days recently have felt like motions without moments. I look at my calendar and proceed, but do I really show up? I feel that way about life right now – I am here but not present. Eager to do, but then at times only doing the bare minimum of what should be done. I WANT TO CHANGE THAT!

So what is your goal for the New Year?