Episode 2743: Living the Spirit of Advent - Morning Episode

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Speak Lord
Novena of Our Lady Undoer of Knots
Living the Spirit of Advent in a State of Prayer
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Today, we focus on Advent and the call to prayer as a state of life, inspired by Pope Benedict XVI, the wisdom of Raoul Lus, S.J., and Psalm 27. Together, these teachings remind us that Advent is not merely a season of external preparation but a profound opportunity to seek God’s face and live in a spirit of prayerful expectation.
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1. Advent: A Season of Healing Memory and Hope
Pope Benedict XVI beautifully reminds us:
“Advent’s intention is to awaken the most profound and basic emotional memory within us, namely, the memory of the God who became a child. This is a healing memory; it brings hope.”
Advent is a time to remember God’s incredible humility in becoming one of us. The Incarnation is not just an event of the past but a reality that reshapes our present. This memory heals because it roots us in God’s abiding love and fills us with hope for His promises to be fulfilled.
In a world filled with distractions, we often lose sight of this “emotional memory.” Advent invites us to return to it to remember God’s faithfulness, to prepare our hearts, and to await His coming with joy and confidence.
Reflection Question:
How are you keeping the memory of God’s love alive in your heart this Advent?
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2. Living in a State of Prayer
Advent calls us to a deeper life of prayer, but as Raoul Lus, S.J., clarifies:
"When our Lord bade us "to pray always" He did not mean to ask us to be constantly in the act of prayer but only to live in the state of prayer. Let us note the difference: to be constantly in the act of prayer would be to fill our life's course with religious exercises alone!...Even in the most contemplative lives, this is never done. There is always a place for certain activities that are more or less secular: meals, recreations, sleep, and the like. Living in a state of prayer does not aim at an impossible existence. The part of our lives devoted to religious exercises will mean that in all things, although it might be a question of a secular action, we will have no other purpose than to give glory to God...always to have an intention directed as much as possible toward God." —Raoul Lus, S.J
Living in a state of prayer means orienting our hearts toward God in everything we do. It’s not about abandoning the practical responsibilities of life but about sanctifying them. Whether we’re preparing meals, spending time with family, or working, all can be done with a spirit of offering and thanksgiving to God.
The Church teaches us that prayer isn’t just words; it’s an attitude of the heart. In Advent, as we light each candle of the wreath and await the coming of the Light of the World, we’re called to transform even ordinary actions into acts of love and hope.
Practical Steps to Live in a State of Prayer:
• Begin and end each day with a short prayer of thanksgiving.
• Offer small sacrifices or acts of kindness as a gift to Jesus.
• Keep a sacred image or crucifix nearby as a reminder of God’s presence.
Reflection Question:
Are you living each moment with the intention of giving glory to God, even in the smallest tasks?
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3. Seeking God’s Face in Prayerful Expectation
Advent mirrors the cry of the Psalmist in Psalm 27:
"Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me! Thou hast said, “Seek ye my face.” My heart says to thee, “Thy face, Lord, do I seek.” Hide not thy face from me. Turn not thy servant away in anger, thou who hast been my help. Cast me not off, forsake me not, O God of my salvation!" — Psalm 27:7-9

This cry of the heart encapsulates the spirit of Advent. We are not merely waiting for Christmas; we are waiting for Christ. To seek God’s face is to turn toward Him in trust, even when He seems hidden. It’s the prayer of a soul longing for communion with its Creator.
When we seek God’s face, especially during Advent, we imitate Mary, whose heart was entirely directed toward her Son. She teaches us how to wait with faith, how to trust when we don’t fully understand, and how to give our “yes” to God in every moment.
Reflection Question:
How can you seek God’s face more intentionally this Advent?
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Conclusion Prayer
Let us conclude with a prayer to align our hearts with the spirit of Advent:
Heavenly Father,
As we journey through this holy season, awaken within us the memory of Your love made flesh in the Christ Child. Heal our hearts and fill us with hope as we prepare for His coming.
Teach us to live in a state of prayer, offering every moment to Your glory and seeking Your face in all that we do. Like the Psalmist, may our hearts cry out to You: “Thy face, Lord, do I seek.”
Help us to sanctify our daily tasks and to trust in Your plan for our lives, knowing that You guide us with grace and love. Through the intercession of Mary, the perfect model of Advent, may we follow her example of trust and surrender.
We ask this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. Amen.
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Thank you for joining us. May this Advent be a time of healing memory, hope, and deeper prayer for you and your loved ones. Until next time, may God bless you and lead you closer to His heart.