Be open, vigilant, trusting and curious…a good stance for anyone at a discerning moment of life.  – Sisters of Charity Cincinnati E-Voc newsletter Dec. 2014

Advent is a special season for discerners. The scripture selections each day focus attention on attending to God’s presence and promises. The prophets and special characters of the season bring inspiration and hope to those who seek God’s will for their lives.

For the Sisters of Charity, this Advent begins a time of personal and communal discernment. We are preparing for our Congregational Chapter of Affairs and Elections February 27-March 8, 2015. Every four years we convene the “Chapter” to assess our fidelity to the mission of Jesus, to read the signs of the times, and to discern the call forward together. Then we call forth Sisters with the gifts and skills to lead us in that discerned direction.

We are invited to use a prayer specially written for this Chapter (see below) for our deep listening. In part, it calls us to wait with the Spirit, to be “open, vigilant, trusting and curious.” This is a good stance for anyone at a discerning moment of life. Praying to be open to the Spirit is the very best way to begin. It is the essential predisposition for discernment. Next, stay awake and alert for the breakthrough of God in your life. Remember that there is nothing to fear from the One who calls, the One who knows your heart and moves in your own deepest longings. Finally, keep a healthy curiosity about what God is asking of you. “How can this be?” Mary asked. Let a sense of wonder open up even the most improbable possibilities, for as the angel said, “Nothing will be impossible for God.”

Chapter Prayer

Companion Spirit,

In Your presence we wait,

Open, vigilant, trusting and curious.

As Incarnate blessing once

Gave the improbable promise of new life

To Sarah and Elizabeth,

Breathe NOW through our faith-filled spirits.

Give us the wisdom, the fidelity, and the energy to welcome this season of gestating possibility