Today's devotion: the prayers of December 14, 2020

Lord's Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be your name. Come your kingdom; Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread and forgive our faults, as we forgive those who transgress against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.
An Advent prayer
God, grant me the grace to be patient and alert to watch, wait, and listen carefully, so that I don't miss Christ when he knocks on my door. Remove everything that prevents me from receiving the gifts the Savior brings: joy, peace, justice, mercy, and love. And always let me remember that these are gifts that are received only by giving; let me remember, during this season and throughout the year, the oppressed, the oppressed, the marginalized, the prisoners, the weak and the defenseless, with my prayers and with my substance.

In the name of Christ I pray,

Amen.
Prayer for the power of the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit, descend in abundance into my heart. Light up the dark corners of this neglected mansion and scatter your merry beams.

Breathe into me, oh Holy Spirit, so that my thoughts are all holy.
Act in me, oh Holy Spirit, so that my work too may be holy.
Draw my heart, oh Holy Spirit, which I love but what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy.
Guard me, therefore, O Holy Spirit, so that I may always be holy.

Amen.
of (Saint Augustine of Hippo, 398 AD

For those who need strength
I pray, Lord, for all who will need strength and courage in the day to come: for those who face danger. For those who risk themselves for others. For those who have to make an important decision today. For seriously ill people. For those facing persecution or torture. I ask you, Lord, to give them the power of your Spirit,

Amen.
Meditation
[So that the Holy Spirit can act in me so that my work is holy.]

Closing praise
Now to the eternal, immortal, invisible King, the only wise God, be honor and glory forever and ever.

Amen.
Think of the day ahead in terms of God with you and visualize health, strength, guidance, purity, calm confidence, and victory as gifts of His presence