burn

Opening Prayer: O Lord, help me to never neglect or ignore the flame within.  It is your very life within me.  Help me, by your grace, to keep my lamp burning, so that your light illuminates my heart, as well as your world.  Amen.

Scripture: Luke 12:35

Journal:  How will you keep your lamp burning during this season of Advent?

Reflection:

keep your lamp burning

tend and nurture the flame

of the Spirit that dwells

deep within you

it will light the way

for you and for others

don’t ignore it

don’t neglect it

don’t let it wane

don’t let it go out

don’t allow the cares

of this life to extinguish

the light and life within you

pray continually

make space and time

pay careful attention

watch and wait

this is how

we stay ready

for his coming

Prayer

Closing Prayer:

Oh, living flame of love

That tenderly woundest my soul in its deepest centre,

Since thou art no longer oppressive, perfect me now if it be thy will,

Break the web of this sweet encounter.

Oh, sweet burn! Oh, delectable wound!

Oh, soft hand! Oh, delicate touch

That savours of eternal life and pays every debt!

In slaying, thou hast changed death into life.

O lamps of fire! in whose splendours

The deep caverns of feeling,

Once obscure and blind,

Now give forth, so rarely, so exquisitely,

Both warmth and light to their Beloved.

How gently and lovingly you wake in my heart,

Where in secret you dwell alone;

And in your sweet breathing,

Filled with good and glory,

How tenderly You swell my heart with love.

~John of the Cross