The A.C.T.S. In Advent

“This is the wonderful truth, my dear friends: the Word, which became flesh two thousand years ago is present today in the Eucharist.”

St John Paul II

Leader: Opening comment and Welcome. Ask group to share names and to share any prayer intentions.

Reader: Read Reflection

n all religions there are different approaches to prayer to help parishioners feel the presence of God. Different approaches are often suggested because we are easily distracted, either by I our surroundings or by internal thoughts that cause us to wander from concentrating on the purpose of prayer. Sometimes we even forget what we were praying about.

For the next four weeks, small groups will gather during this Advent season to focus on prayer by using the acronym A.C.T.S. This stands for “Adoration, Confessions, Thanksgiving, and Supplication.” Each part of this spiritual practice of prayer will guide us to meditate on a specific methodology that is crucial to our prayer life.

In our first week, we will explore what “Adoration” means for us when we talk about prayer. One of the first key elements when we practice “Adoring,” or “Adoration,” is to remember that this is a practice of lifting up our minds and hearts to actually show our love towards God’s love to us. Look what the Catechism of the said about “Adoration.”

“Adoration is the first act of the virtue of religion. To adore God is to acknowledge him as God, as the Creator and Savior, the Lord and Master of everything that exists, as infinite and merciful Love. "You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve," says Jesus, citing Deuteronomy” CCC 2096

Adoration, the first virtue of religion is saying a lot. Here we must reflect on our first encounter where we truly acknowledge Him as God in our lives. Take a few moments and reflect on those moments when there was no doubt that God was present in your life. 10 Minutes discussion

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Reader:

A reading from the Gospel of Mark

Jesus said to his disciples: “Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. It is like a man traveling abroad. He leaves home and places his servants in charge, each with his own work, and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch. Watch, therefore; you do not know when the Lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’

Glory to you our Lord.

Watch Video: 6 Minutes www.eatthescrollministry.com

Small group breakout discussion questions: 20 Minutes

1. Describe moments of adoring the Lord! For example, sorrow, pain, joy, sadness, celebrations, victory, grief. 2. Do you feel God close to you when adoring him, or does God feel distant? 3. What are your favorite titles of God?

Steal 5 minutes of Prayer. Stay still and steal five minutes to reflect in front of a candle or an Icon of Jesus, adoring God. “No Thank you(s), No requests, No telling God to fix something!” We want you to focus on words of admiration, thoughts of God’s love in your heart.

The Leader of the group breaks the silent fast by reading a prayer or if time allows, the group my share the experience of adoring God.

Your first A.C.T.S. in Advent is to select one Adoration a day (see attachment) and prepare to share the most meaningful practice next week.

Closing Prayer

ADORATION

In this season of expectation We prepare to welcome Christ Jesus, Messiah Into the bustle of our lives and the hard to find moments of solitude We prepare to welcome Christ Jesus, Messiah Into our homes and situations

2 along with friends and families We prepare to welcome Christ Jesus, Messiah Into our hearts, and those often hidden parts of our lives We prepare to welcome Christ Jesus, Messiah

We cannot comprehend the reasoning only marvel that Salvation comes to us through a baby born in a stable, and reaches out to a world in need. We prepare to welcome Christ Jesus, Messiah

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48 Ways to practice Adoration!

1. Slowly read Sacred Scripture until something hits you. Then listen. 2. Say the Holy . 3. If you can’t say 15 decades, say five decades. 4. If you can’t say five decades, say one decade 5. If you can’t say one decade, say one very slowly. 6. If you can’t say one Hail Mary, say “Holy Mary”, like a little child saying “Momma”. 7. Pray as you can, not as you can’t. 8. Look at the Good God, and let Him look at you. 9. Consider that the Sacred Body of Jesus came from Holy Mary. Thank her. 10. Tell Jesus something that made you happy. Then listen. 11. Tell Him what you are afraid of. Then listen. 12. Tell Him what angers you. Then listen. 13. Speak about your loved ones. 14. Pray for an enemy. 15. Talk with Him about work. 16. Pray to St. Joseph for a happy death. 17. Pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. 18. Sing a song for Him in your heart. 19. Promise to trust Him. 20. See the Blessed Virgin kneeling next to you, adoring her Son and praying with you. 21. Realize that your Holy Guardian Angel is with you. Ask him to coach you in holiness. 22. Renew your loyalty to His Church. 23. Ask your patron saint to pray for you to know and do God’s Will. 24. Lean on Him. Tell Him you love Him. 25. Thank Him for the Sacraments. 26. For a time, don’t DO anything. Be with Him, as a friend, while He works. 27. Ask Him if that is perhaps what he wants you to “do” more often. 28. Tell Him your failures. Ask for help. Then listen. 29. Slowly recite the Beatitudes. 30. Say one Our Father slowly. 31. Say the slowly. 32. Slowly recite a favorite psalm. 33. Pray for a great love of the Cross. 34. See Our Lord in His Passion…stand there, with Him, as Our Lady does. 35. Lean into the hurricane of graces coming from the monstrance. 36. Consider the blinding Uncreated Light shining out from Him. 37. Be aware that He is sending out graces to the world right then through you. 38. Pray the ‘’ “Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” 39. Pray Jesus, mercy… and listen. Pray Mercy, Jesus… and listen. 40. Tell Him: Jesus, I trust in You…strengthen my trust. 41. Ask Him: Lord, what do you want me to do? And how do you want me to do it? 42. Ask Him to show you the next step. 43. Talk to Him heart to Heart.

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44. Pray for the Holy Father. 45. Pray for vocations. 46. Look at yourself. Count your gifts. Then thank Him. 47. Pray for the world. 48. Enjoy just being in His Presence.

https://www.catholic.sg/48-things-adoration/

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The A.C.T.S. In Advent

“The of evil works is the first beginning of good works. You do the truth and come to the light.”

St. Augustine

Leader: Opening comment and Welcome. Ask group to share names and to share any prayer intentions.

Reader: Read Reflection

n our second week of Advent, using the A.C.T.S. acronym for prayer, we perhaps encounter the most difficult form of prayer. A prayer that involves asking for forgiveness or forgiving I someone is hard even if you are to forgive them seven times seventy. In the book of James, we read the following:

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful” (Ja. 5:19).

In our second week, we will explore what “Confession,” means for us. A priest once asked his congregation what happens when we make a confession to God or each other. You can imagine there were several answers. Some say we are made clean, some say our sins are washed away, while others talked about a good feeling inside. However, one little girl said, “I know what happens when we make a confession. God rejoices.” The little girl delighted the priest with her answers. Yes God rejoices, the angels rejoice, and you and I rejoice when someone tries to amend their ways. What are some of the ways you rejoice when someone or you change your behavior because you sought to be closer to God? 10 Minutes discussion

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Reader:

A reading from the Gospel of Mark

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey. And this is what he proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Glory to you our Lord.

Watch Video: 6 Minutes www.eatthescrollministry.com

Small group breakout discussion questions: 20 Minutes

1. The Introductory Rite: The Penitential Rite (a time of reflection on one's sins and a prayer for God's mercy) / “Lord have mercy” Do you feel that you have a contrite heart during this section in the liturgy?

2. Liturgy of the Eucharist: Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. / Lord I am not worthy for you to enter my life, just say the word and my soul is healed. Do you feel that you have a contrite heart during this section in the liturgy?

Steal 5 minutes of Prayer. Stay still and steal five minutes to reflect in front of a candle or an Icon of Jesus, and silently reflect on sorrowful moments, a loss or disappointment. “No Thank you(s), No requests, No telling God to fix something!” We want words of confession, a contrite heart. Perhaps these different “Act of Contrition(s)” can assist you in this prayer moment.

The A.C.T. S. in Advent this week is to seek reconciliation through the sacrament or pray for communities forgiven each other.

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Closing Prayer:

Act of Contrition (Howard-Basterrechea version)

My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do , to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.

No matter how many Advent seasons sweep by, Lord, your reminders remain the same. Each tear we cry has a purpose. Each trying stage has a divine reason. And in your capable hands, each icy rain of adversity is transformed into the warmth and sparkle of your grace.

Resource

Act of Contrition There are a variety of different Acts of Contrition suggested in the Rite of Penance. Here are a few of them.

Act of Contrition (traditional) O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.

Act of Contrition (alternate form) My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.

An Act of Contrition inspired by the Gospels Father of mercy, like the prodigal son I return to you and say: “I have sinned against you and am no longer worthy to be called your child." Christ Jesus, Savior of the world, I pray with the repentant thief to whom you promised Paradise: "Lord, remember me in your kingdom." Holy Spirit, fountain of love, I call on you with trust: "Purify my heart, and help me to walk as a child of light.”

An Act of Contrition inspired by the Gospels Lord Jesus, you opened the eyes of the blind, healed the sick, forgave the sinful woman, and after Peter's denial confirmed him in your love. Listen to my prayer: forgive all my sins, renew your love in my heart, help me to live in perfect unity with my fellow Christians that I may proclaim your saving power to all the world.

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An Act of Contrition to Our Lord Jesus Lord Jesus, you chose to be called the friend of sinners. By your saving death and resurrection free me from my sins. May your peace take root in my heart and bring forth a harvest of love, holiness, and truth.

An Act of Contrition to Jesus, the Lamb of God Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Lamb of God; you take away the sins of the world. Through the grace of the Holy Spirit restore me to friendship with your Father, cleanse me from every stain of sin in the blood you shed for me, and raise me to new life for the glory of your name.

An Act of Contrition inspired by Lord God, in your goodness have mercy on me: do not look on my sins, but take away all my guilt. Create in me a clean heart and renew within me an upright spirit.

The Jesus Prayer Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

“Acts of Contrition resource: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/prayers/act-of-contrition.html Steal 5 minutes of Prayer. Stay steal for five minutes in front of a candle or an Icon of Jesus, adoring God. The Leader of the group breaks the silent fast by reading a prayer or if time allows sharing the experience of just adoring God.

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The A.C.T.S. In Advent

"In all created things discern the providence and wisdom of God, and in all things give Him thanks."

St. Teresa of Avila

Leader: Opening comment and Welcome. Ask group to share names and to share any prayer intentions.

Reader: Read Reflection

n our third week of Advent, using the A.C.T.S. acronym for prayer, we come with a joyful heart. The first week we adored the Lord, acknowledging his presence in our lives. The I second week we expressed our sorrows, our sins, wanting to rejoice with God. It’s in this third week, Gaudete Sunday, that we adorn ourselves with one of the most vibrant colors that catches the eyes of many. We wear “Pink, and rejoice with words of “Thanksgiving.” A thousand tongues could not and will never be able to count all the blessings God has done in our lives. This hymn puts things in perspective:

Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done; Count your blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Try it! See what the Lord has done. In the gospel of Luke, ten lepers were healed but only one came back. Can you imagine what the Lord had done for this leper? He healed him physically; he is no more an outcast in society. He can return to his family, and he can get a job. Wait a minute, if the leper is a woman with leprosy, she can mother her children, nurse her babies perhaps, and she too is no longer an outcast. Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. Discuss the surprises of God that led you to a thankful heart. 10 Minutes discussion

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A reading from the Gospel of John

A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to himto ask him, “Who are you?” He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘make straight the way of the Lord,’” as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Glory to you our Lord.

Watch Video: 6 Minutes www.eatthescrollministry.com

Small group breakout discussion questions: 20 Minutes

1. In your ministry, have you experienced the fruit of your labor? Sometimes in ministry we never see the fruit. Do you have moments of discouragement?

2. What are the goals in your ministry when returning to your church community?

3. Do you live out your goals in minister at the doctor’s office, the grocery store, on your job or to the people you meet and talk too?

Steal 5 minutes of Prayer. Stay still and steal five minutes to reflect in front of a candle or an Icon of Jesus. Say this prayer together.

Leader: The leader should put all the names of the participants in a bag during the session.

The A.C.T.S. in Advent this week is to pick a name from a bag and write down three virtues that you see in that person. (The leader may have to pick the names if doing virtual) Then tell them next week why you are thankful for them sharing their gifts of virtue with you.

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Closing Prayer:

THANKSGIVING

A: Father God, we thank You and praise You today for the miracle of Your Son's birth.

B: Thank You for bringing great JOY to the whole world!

A: Thank You for giving us the assurance that because You came to us in the form of a human, we who believe in Jesus can know with absolute certainty that we'll spend eternity with You.

B: We thank You for the mighty gift of Your creation. And we rejoice for each blessing.

A: Thank You, Father, for spiritual leaders and faith-filled friends who keep encouraging us when we are close to giving up. And although we have many reasons to rejoice today, Lord, we pray for:

B: Those friends and family members whose hearts are far from You. Those who are experiencing loss during Advent: relational, financial, spiritual and physical. We pray for those dealing with unemployment and addictions and chronic sickness... and unending pain and frustrations of all kinds.

A and B: Thank You, Lord, that You are The Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace. Thank You for loving the whole world enough to send the greatest gift, Your Son, In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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The A.C.T.S. In Advent

"It's not an abundance of words that supplicate God, but a pure soul which manifests good deeds"

St John Chrysostom

Leader: Opening comment and Welcome. Ask group to share names and to share any prayer intentions.

Reader: Read Reflection

n our fourth week of Advent, using the A.C.T.S. acronym for prayer, we come ready ask God for our daily bread. In Supplication we seek to ask for God’s favor, to heal our troubled I souls. We have Adored God. We have Confessed to God. We have Thanked God, and now we can enter God’s heaven and ask Him what we need rightly. In the book of James, he said that “You ask but do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions” (Ja. 4:3). However, this is not the case as we follow the steps in the “A.C.T.S,” because we have not spent our time on our urges turning God into a genie to satisfy our personal passions. We have not asked God for personal favors. We Adored God. We confessed to God. We thanked God. Therefore with a clean heart we can ask, knock and the door will open because our hearts’ desire is to please God. The psalmist said it best:

Trust in the LORD and do good that you may dwell in the land and live secure. Find your delight in the LORD who will give you your heart’s desire. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will act. (Ps. 37:3-5)

We have found delight in the Lord. Our God, who searches the hearts of many, will show us favor. Unfortunately, when receiving God’s favor there is no map, GPS, tracking, or some magical voice that will speak to you. When God’s favor comes you just know it through your heart’s desire. Mary desired to please God, she just said yes to the angel Gabriel’s direction. Moses said yes, but with no plan, and yet because he desired to please God, he experienced God’s favor. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. desired to please God. He said yes. Do you think that Dr. King was given a warning of his assignation? And yet, he experienced God’s favor. His voice still rings loudly today as we continue to dream of a world that seeks peace and harmony.

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Can you describe God’s favor in your life in ten words or less? Think about it, write it down, and then share. 10 Minutes discussion

Reader:

A reading from the Gospel of Luke

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Glory to you our Lord.

Watch Video: 6 Minutes www.eatthescrollministry.com

Small group breakout discussion questions: 20 Minutes

1. In seeking God’s favor for your church, what is your desire when you return to church?

2. What is your prayer for the church today?

Steal 5 minutes of Prayer. Stay still and steal five minutes to reflect in front of a candle or an Icon of Jesus.

The A.C.T.S. in Advent is to create a miracle note book of supplication asking the Lord for the desires of your heart in the year 2021. One side of the page must be blank so that when the miracle occurs you will have a place to record the blessing.

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Closing prayer:

Father, as You sent the angel Gabriel to announce the path of Jesus, help us to see the path to Jesus in our hearts. Show us the distractions in our lives that block us from an all-out worship of You this Advent. Lord, we await Your coming! As we celebrate the first Advent––the first coming––we look toward to the day when we will see You face to face. Give us hearts, Lord, that look for Your coming on a daily basis. Help us to live constantly seeking Your presence. Show us today how we can gain Your favor, for nothing is impossible with God. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, AMEN.

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