Reclaiming Our Children: A Blog About Healing After Abortion

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment

in which the son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary,

at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold.

In that hour vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires,

through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ,

and of His blessed Mother. Amen.

In the First Week of Advent, we prepare ourselves for the Lord's coming into our world and into our lives. We ask, "In what area of my life do I stand at a distance from God?" We examine our relationships with family, friends, classmates, business associates, and neighbors. Is our faith reflected in each experience of human contact? Is love of God and neighbor the basis for our interaction with others? (Light the first purple candle)

Prayer: Almighty and loving God, we have searched our hearts and reviewed our love for Your people. Some relationships overflow with love while others have been found wanting. Yet it is our desire that You be a part of every human experience. We beg You now to fill our hearts with Your love and sharpen our awareness of Your Presence in every moment so that wherever we go and whatever we do, we will always stand secure before You. Amen.