Reflecting on Vocation through Prayer
It has been a strange year, with lots of uncertainty and a complete shift in the way we live our lives. It’s however important to understand that God’s call never stops and He continues to draw us closer to Him throughout our daily lives and to strive for our ultimate vocation to holiness.
During this time of Advent, we prepare for the coming our Saviour, Jesus Christ at Christmas, and we do this through a number of observances, two particular important ways; prayer and repentance. Our Gospels throughout Advent in the lead up to Christmas draw out many messages on preparation and how we can ready ourselves to meet Christ.
Through this Advent series, each individual will focus upon the Gospel message and how that helps them in their own state of life. Let us in the next four weeks find space and time for deeper prayer and moments where we can really encounter God working and speaking to us in our lives. We thank those who have filmed reflections and given their own testimonies on their particular states of life; let that inspire us and guide us, in what God might be calling us to.
We wish you a blessed and prayerful Advent,
National Office for Vocation
We begin our time of Advent with the following prayer:
Loving Father,
you call us by name.
As we journey through life
help us to be confident in our own unique identity
and to find opportunities
to develop our own gifts and passions.
We pray that the Holy Spirit
will pour on us wisdom and guidance
to help us realise and follow our dreams,
discerning your plan for our lives.
Bless your Church
by raising up dedicated and generous people
from our families and friends
who will serve as Priests, Deacons,
Sisters and Brothers, husbands and wives,
friends and local heroes.
May we support one another in response to God’s call.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
The First Week of Advent
Teresa Carvalho – Single State of Life
‘It is like a man travelling abroad: he has gone from home, and left his servants in charge, each with his own task; and he has told the doorkeeper to stay awake.’
Mark 13:34
Prayer for the First Week
Dear Lord,
As we begin Advent, we open our hearts and minds to your call.
Let us keep awake and our eyes open to see the blessing of Your Incarnation.
At this moment we give everything to you,
all that has happened through this year and what is yet to come.
We give thanks for the inspiration of Teresa, giving us witness in this first week
and her work to bring people to you and to seek you more closely.
Lord you know our needs more than we know our own,
let us in this time hear you and deepen our love for you,
so that we can follow the path you have set before us.
We give thanks for these weeks of preparation,
so that we can look more closely at our lives.
Guide us in this time of renewal and repentance,
so we can become your faithful Disciples.
We ask this through Christ, Your Son, our Lord.
Amen
Scripture taken from Universalis https://universalis.com/europe.wales/20201129/mass.htm
The Second Week of Advent
Hannah Vaughan-Spruce – Consecrated Virginity
‘Look, I am going to send my messenger before you;
he will prepare your way.
A voice cries in the wilderness:
Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight.’
Mark 1:2-3
Prayer for the Second Week
Dear Lord,
As we enter our second week of Advent,
we look into our lives
and prepare ourselves for Your coming at Christmas.
We give thanks for the inspiration of Hannah,
and her vocation to consecrated virginity.
We pray for her work in the Archdiocese of Southwark
through dedicated prayer and service.
Lord, as these weeks of preparation continue,
allow us time to hear Your call in our lives,
and to be open to what You have planned for us.
As our nights become darker, let us see the light growing stronger,
as we prepare to welcome You once more.
We pray for all those discerning,
that each are inspired this Advent to continue listening to your call.
We ask this through Christ, Your Son, Our Lord.
Amen
Scripture taken from Universalis: https://universalis.com/europe.england/20201206/mass.htm
Further Information:
For further information on consecrated virginity please see our webpage www.ukvocation.org/?page_id=113 or email us at enquiries@ukvocation.org
The Third Week of Advent
Fr Joseph Owusu-Ansah – Priesthood
‘So John said, ‘I am, as Isaiah prophesied:
a voice that cries in the wilderness:
Make a straight way for the Lord.’
John 1:23
Prayer for the Third Week
Dear Lord,
As we enter our third week of Advent,
we continue to prepare to welcome You.
Let us look deeper into our lives
and give everything to you, in prayer and penance.
On this third week of Advent, Gaudete Sunday,
we celebrate ‘joy’ as we encounter Christ.
We give thanks for the inspiration of Fr Joe,
and his vocation to the priesthood.
We pray for his work in the Parish of Thanet
and the Archdiocese of Southwark.
We pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood,
that men will follow Your call to be Your shepherds.
We ask this through Christ, Your Son, our Lord.
Amen
Scripture taken from Universalis: https://universalis.com/europe.england/20201206/mass.htm
Further Information:
For further information on priesthood, please see our webpage www.ukvocation.org/?page_id=117 or email us at enquiries@ukvocation.org
UK Priest Website:
The Fourth Week of Advent
Br. Joseph Bailham O.P. – Religious Life
‘I am the handmaid of the Lord,’ said Mary
‘let what you have said be done to me.’
Luke 1:38
Prayer for the Fourth Week
Dear Lord,
As we enter our Fourth Week of Advent,
we grow ever stronger in anticipation of Your arrival.
We prepare ourselves to welcome you once more.
Our hearts become ever ready and the light is growing stronger.
We give thanks for the inspiration of Br. Joseph,
and his vocation to Religious Life as a Dominican.
We pray for his work for the Dominican Community
and an increase in vocations to the Religious Life,
that men and women will follow your call to be Your servants
in this beautiful way.
We ask this through Christ, Your Son, our Lord.
Amen
Scripture taken from Universalis: https://universalis.com/europe.england/20201206/mass.htm
Further Information:
For further information on Religious Life please see our website http://www.ukvocation.org/?page_id=117 or email us at enquiries@ukvocation.org
UK Religious Life Website: