images of God

Our prayer lives are shaped, to a great degree, by our understanding of God. In the "Magnificat" (Luke 1. 46-55), one of the Gospel lessons for this coming Sunday (Advent 4), we are given insight into the nature of the God to whom we pray:

God saves

God blesses

God does great things for us

God's name is Holy

God is merciful

God desires reverence

God is strong

God hates human pride

God judges human leaders

God is on the side of the oppressed

God feeds the hungry

God helps those who serve him

God remembers

God keeps promises

As a spiritual exercise, read the gospel passage slowly. How would you add to this list? Then read the gospel again, reflecting on the dimension of God that is most comforting to you...and the attribute of God that is most challenging to you.

The former is your source of encouragement. Claim it!

The latter is your spiritual "growing edge". Work with it!