Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 6, 2024

Date: Friday of the 1st Week of Advent/Memorial of St. Nicholas

Scripture Text: Psalm 40:2 and 4, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 11

R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

I have waited, waited for the LORD,

and he stooped toward me and heard my cry.

And he put a new song into my mouth,

a hymn to our God.

R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

Sacrifice or oblation you wished not,

but ears open to obedience you gave me.

Burnt offerings or sin-offerings you sought not;

then said I, "Behold I come."

R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

"In the written scroll it is prescribed for me,

To do your will, O my God, is my delight,

and your law is within my heart!"

R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

I announced your justice in the vast assembly;

I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.

R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

Your justice I kept not hid within my heart;

your faithfulness and your salvation I have spoken of;

I have made no secret of your kindness and your truth

in the vast assembly.

R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The responsorial psalm for the Memorial of St. Nicholas is a response to the call of Isaiah as recounted in the first reading. Our response in prayer is an acknowledgment of the LORD’s care for us and presence to us and how it compels us to announce to others the loving justice of our LORD.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How often do I share with others my love for the LORD and all the LORD has done for me?

Praying:

LORD, always and everywhere You are and no matter where I go, You are there. You hear my prayers; You answer them. I long to give myself to You more wholly so that I may grow more holy. Send your Spirit to help me, to guide me, and to give me the courage to live the life You call me to live and to share with others your love. Amen.