Hello Friend. Awakening of the Heart Advent Retreat. Our heartbeat prayer today is a request for the Spirit to help us make more space for Jesus in our lives, thoughts, and plans. 

Let us pray, Gracious Lord, on this seventeenth day of Advent, we come before you with a sincere desire to prepare room in our hearts for Christ. 

As recorded in Luke 2:7, there was no room for Jesus in the inn, and we reflect on how easily we can become distracted by the busyness of the season, in our own way saying, "We don’t have room in our lives for you, Jesus."  

Help us, Spirit of God, to intentionally set aside the clutter—both physical and spiritual—so we can create sacred space for your presence. 

Lord, focus our hearts and minds on the true meaning of Christmas. 

Replace the chaos of our schedules with moments of quiet reflection, where we can listen for your voice and feel your love. 

Teach us to prioritize our relationship with you over the demands of our daily lives and the festive distractions that vie for our attention. 

As we make this conscious effort, may we find clarity in our priorities and peace amid the hustle. 

Let our hearts be filled with joy and anticipation as we welcome Christ into our lives. 

May this season center us around the hope, love, and grace that Jesus embodies. Help us, Lord God, Amen.