Light of Silence (Thursday, First Week of Advent)

November 27, 2021, By: Jimmy Scruggs

Welcome! As you set aside time each day for Advent prayer we invite you to use this approach, which works well for individuals and groups of all ages.

Light a candle. Pause to remember the presence of God filling you with Light and Love.

Pray this Opening Prayer:

Radiant Creator, awaken me to your presence.
Jesus, Light of all Lights, kindle love in my heart.
Spirit of Illumination, guide my path today.

Advent Reflection for the Day

Though I sit in darkness, the Lord is my light. Micah 7:8

When I reflect on the gifts of physical light, I remember a summer camp experience. Young campers were invited to spend one full day as though we were physically blind. Our eyes were carefully and completely blindfolded, and we were given a partner to care for us and guide us through the day.

Our counselors read to us from the writings of those who are physically blind; and we had the opportunity to learn about the gift of sight from the perspective of someone in physical darkness. Many had the daily habit of sitting for long spaces in quiet darkness, experiencing the inner light of God’s goodness. These writers seemed to understand that inner light is more powerful than physical vision.

Like those without eyesight, we need a deep trust in God to lead and guide us through each day. Those of us who are sighted also need quiet spaces of contemplation. In these prayer times we come open hearted before God. We ask for grace to know our purpose in Christ and to do our best to serve that purpose. We open our hearts to receive spiritual strength and wisdom for each day.

When we sit in such silence with God, we develop confidence and hope that we are One with God in Christ.

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Set your intention for the day. Say: Today I will sit quietly, close my eyes to create a dark space and entrust myself to God.

Pray this Closing Prayer:

Jesus, you are the Everlasting Light.
Help me to bring your love everywhere I go.
Fill me with Light this Advent
that all my life will reflect you.
Shine through me so that that everyone I meet today
would feel your presence in my spirit.
Let them look and see, not just me, but you,
Light of all Lights, Shining through me. Amen

As you blow out the candle and the flame vanishes, remember you have divine light within you that will never go out. You take the light of Christ with you wherever you are.

Together on the Journey,
Katie Martinez