Autumn W

“Jesus as full of grace means there wasn’t any perfection checklist that was met to deserve His presence. His arrival stands against the idea that if you do it right, you get access to His presence. His presence was freely given. He never withheld it. Grace is presence not withheld.”
― Scott Erickson, Honest Advent: Awakening to the Wonder of God-with-Us Then, Here, and Now

“When I am forced to wait, I grow. My patience, perseverance, and longing for God deepen. I learn to loosen my grip on control as I recognize, like Zechariah and Elizabeth, that no amount of righteous living can bring God’s plans into fruition. He brings them in his own time and in his own way.”
― Bette Dickinson, Making Room in Advent: 25 Devotions for a Season of Wonder

“We ought to give ourselves to God in both mundane and spiritual matters. We should seek our satisfaction only in fulfilling His will, whether that leads to suffering or comfort. All things are equal to a soul truly surrendered to God.”
― Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God In Modern English

“Morning Prayer Gregory of Nazianzus (329–390) ☙ 15 As the sun rises, I lift my hand to you, O God, for you to determine my path. Please control my passions. Help me stand firm in your ways and live this day for you. Allow no dark words, no sin-filled acts, no base thoughts even to enter my life. Rather, watch over all my internal actions so that I may truly keep my vow to you. Please keep me from bringing shame to myself or, more importantly, to your people. Indeed, let your will be done through the grace that you give to me. Amen.”
― Jonathan W. Arnold, Cloud of Witnesses: A Treasury of Prayers and Petitions through the Ages