NIGHT PRAYER: Sunday 12/1

• On Sundays, Night Prayer will focus on an element from the day's celebration of Mass. Tonight we reflect on a song we hear every Advent and yet may miss its application to our own lives.  • The well known hymn, O Come Emmanuel, expresses Israel's longing for a savior to come and set God's people free. • Peter Hollens' take on this piece reveals the song's plaintive cry.  As you listen to the music, reflect on how these words might be your own, might become your own cry, your own prayer, in this Advent season.  • You might want to listen to the song first, then pray the text that follows, and then listen to the song one more time.

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O Come, Emmanuel by Peter Hollens

Help me see what holds me captive, Lord,

    and come with your grace to set me free...

Help me see how my heart's in exile, Lord,

    and come to rescue and bring me home...

Help me lift up my mourning for you to heal

    and come and anoint me again with joy...

 

Help me see what burdens and saddens my soul

    and help me to carry whatever I bear...

 

Help me see what clouds my trust and my hope

    and lead me out of the shadows, Lord... 

Help me see how often I'm weak and I fall

    and come with your strength to raise me up...

Help me hear the word of your law and your love

    and come to show me your path of life...

Help me pray for the grace to welcome you, Lord,

    when my heart is slow to open its door...

Help me trust that you are Emmanuel,

    God-with-me, my Savior, my ransom, my hope...

 

 Help me open my heart to your advent, Lord,

    help me welcome your presence, your mercy and peace...

Protect me, Lord while I'm awake

    and watch over me while I sleep

that awake, I might keep watch with you

    and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen.

 

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