Here we are in the second week of Advent. Two candles are now burning on our Advent wreaths. Nearly half of the doors of our Advent calendars have been opened. No cheating...even if the chocolate treats hiding behind each door are tempting your willpower.

In what other ways are you preparing the way for the coming of Christ this Advent season? Let me share one way that may help you to prepare spiritually during this season of waiting, watching and hoping. Spend time in intentional prayer. Grow your prayer time. Enrich your prayer life.

How? Pray for the Holy Spirit to work in you and use you to bring light and good news to the world. Pray for others while doing the things that normally fill your day. Warning. You might want to keep your eyes open...

1. Pray while walking the dog or cleaning the litterbox
2. Pray while you are stopped at a red light
3. Pray while waiting in line. (It beats grumbling.)
4. Pray while sitting in the doctor's office
5. Pray while watching the news or reading the newspaper
6. Pray for the recipient while writing Christmas cards
7. Pray for the recipient while wrapping a gift

Give it a try. I'll be praying for you.

On another note, as promised, here are my weekly hours at home and in the office:

Monday and Tuesday- Days off in Marana

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday- I will be in the office from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (subject to change in the event of meetings or pastoral care needs).

One important spiritual practice in my daily life: Because I believe in starting my days in the office with prayer, asking for God's blessing and guiding hand in all that the coming hours may bring, I spend the first fifteen minutes quietly in prayer. My door will be closed during this time. Please refrain from knocking, until I have reopened it. Thank you.

With Advent hope,
Pastor Linda