Keep Us Alert, We Pray, O Lord Our God
Collect
The Mass Collect powerfully captures the active, intentional preparation central to the Advent season as we eagerly await Christ's coming.
Keep us alert, we pray, O Lord our God, as we await the advent of Christ your Son, so that, when he comes and knocks, he may find us watchful in prayer and exultant in his praise. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Let us Keep Watch
The Collect prayer invites us to vigilant preparation. Though He came long ago in Bethlehem, we also yearn for His return in glory. So we must not drift asleep, but remain alert in prayerful communion with God.
What does it mean to keep alert? Not a tense anxiety, but an active attentiveness to the whispers of the Spirit. We heed Christ's own call to watchfulness, cultivating spaces of silence within our souls to hear God knock upon the door.
Now might be a good time to consider the wonderful practice of Lectio Divina in which we can open our whole selves to encounter Emmanuel—God with us.
Or consider asking yourself in what areas of sleepiness or disconnectedness from God do you sense in your spiritual life lately? What might the Holy Spirit be inviting you to awaken to during this season of anticipation?
And so in this spirit of longing and listening, let us walk together keeping prayerful watch for the Light that has already begun to break through the darkness. May the mystery of God's redeeming love shine radiant in our hearts, overflowing with joyful hope.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
Let Us Pray
Come, Lord Jesus, awaken my soul to Your coming. Still my restless heart to listen for Your knock upon the door. Amen.