An Advent Prayer

Gracious God, across the globe at this moment, the faithful children of Holy Mother Church are joyfully proclaiming: "Let the heavens send forth dew, and may the skies shower down upon us the rain we eagerly seek, He who is just. May He, our Savior, emerge from the sealed womb of the earth!" We recognize, O Lord, and have witnessed the devastation drought inflicts upon the land. We understand, too, and have observed the destruction brought by frost and cold. We have traversed barren fields and dry hills, walked through silent woods and lifeless valleys, and along parched beds of streams that once flowed abundantly. Clearly, within the landscape, we see illustrated what our existence would be devoid of You. We comprehend, therefore, how deeply we should yearn for Your arrival. Come, beloved Lord and Savior, without delay! Arise in Your might and come! May the rain of Your grace nourish the dry soil of our souls. May the warmth of Your love melt away the chill of our apathy. Let the life of Your Body and Blood rejuvenate our feeble spirits, motivating us to work diligently in Your vineyard. O eternal Father, awaken our hearts from the slumber of sin, that we may prepare a path for Your Son into our souls. Each Advent, You fill us with joy at the thought of our salvation. We beseech You, as we welcome Your Son as our Redeemer now, may we, in the times to come, meet Him joyfully and confidently as our Judge.Amen.