St. Andrew Christmas Novena
Simple Prayer for Complex Times
As society continues on its downward spiral to ultimate chaos, division, strife and death, people often exclaim "everything is out of control, what can we do to stop it?" How about we go back to something simple and completely within our control?
‘Tis the season for a simple prayer for complex times - the St. Andrew Christmas Novena.
Say the above prayer of St. Andrew (the first Apostle, and the one who brought Peter to Jesus), fifteen times a day during the Christmas Advent season from November 30th to Christmas Eve. Name any prayers or intentions you wish to share with God when saying the Novena. For me, I'm praying for peace and truth in this world in my St. Andrew Christmas Novena.
Though many people will say prayers and novenas are worthless and a waste of time, for Christians, the power of prayer to the creator of the Universe who has ALL the power is never useless. In fact, during times like these in society where humans are destroying themselves with their own hubris, a prayer on bended knee is a sign of repentance and faith in God to right our wrongs.
Such a simple act, yet most humans refuse to do it, because of pride. Only we can fix our problems - by voting, protesting, twittering, substacking, etc. The sky fairy doesn't exist and even if she/he/it did exist, we're on our own in this life.
Wrong, and a defeatist attitude to keep us wallowing in chaos.
Try the St. Andrew Christmas Novena, even if just for a lark to prove the Holy Rollers wrong. You might find out that a simple prayer in complex times does wonders for you in ways you don't expect.
Happy Advent and Merry Christmas!
I must say, that is an idea that had not occurred to me. I had to look up "Novena". I have a daily prayer and scripture reading practice, and certain prayers do repeat almost endlessly, it would seem, particularly when I pray over the day's news. I would not consider any of this worthless or a waste of time. I have witnessed that even a very small, unspoken prayer can have life-altering effects.
You are right about "only we can fix our problems" being wrong!
This is a wonderful idea that I will begin today.