Posted on November 26th, 2024

As we enter this season of Advent, I find myself longing for Jesus, and my heart eagerly awaits His coming. This time of nurturing my desires for more is fruitful for my soul. I know you are constantly doing good work in me, perfecting my failings and drawing me closer to where we can be in a union. Father, your deep and beautiful love is exemplified by sending Your only begotten Son, Jesus, to us in the manger. You saw our sin, weakness, imperfections, and fallen nature and sent the perfect gift to redeem us. He did not come with fire but as a simple whisper, like falling snow. We wait in patience. Help me to cultivate patience, which cleanses my soul as You carve out a small manger within me to dwell in. I have always been warned not to pray for “patience” because if I did, you would surely test this virtue. The truth is, my life is already filled with many situations and relationships that are desperate for this fruit of the Spirit. I ask for patience because I lack what Your Fatherly heart wants to provide. This is the perfect season to seek more of this grace. Father, forgive me for my impatience and for not loving well. Love is patient, and a lack of patience reflects a lack of love. Thank you for Your perfect patience with me. You are never hurried, annoyed, or irritated with me. Pour this grace over me when I encounter deadlocked traffic on my way home. Let my heart rest in peace when I face difficult people or situations throughout the day. I pray that I see these struggles as opportunities to love more. Father, it is good to be honest and vulnerable about our failings. I don’t feel good about the times I have fallen, but I feel blessed by You! I am so grateful for the gift of Your Word and the sacraments, which fill my soul with many gifts from above. I desire to always be more Christlike in all things, and I ask for a precise and influential work of Your Spirit in my heart. Make me more patient for Your glory!