As we pray

There are many ways to integrate the O Antiphons into daily meditation between now and Christmas Eve. Our own Nichole spent some time exploring a discipline for praying these prayers. She describes a powerful way to integrate these ancient texts, along with the visual and audio art, with silence and listening prayer.

Writes Nichole,

"I read the antiphon two or three times. Then, I sat in silence for 10
minutes. Literally -- I timed it. No open computer, cell phone off, no
meditative music, no candle. Just stillness. Then I returned to the
antiphon and read it again, this time with more intent to really
interact with the prayer using my mind and my senses. From there, I
went into a free time of prayer based on the meditation. The whole
exercise took less than 15 minutes, so it could be a daily devotional
or precede one.

The silence was really ministering to me; I found this to be a sweet
way to move into quietness and receptivity. I would encourage people
to avoid offering intercessions or struggling to be contemplative, but
simply to pass into stillness. Just receive it as a gift. And listen
to the Holy Spirit. If any communicating is done, let it be from His
end, but no pressure if nothing profound occurs.

The quietness alone is a gift in this busy season. So much is received
in quietness, sincerity and humility."

Also, you may wish to reflect on any of the daily scripture readings for Advent, or the following scripture passages, which relate specifically to the antiphon texts.
Isaiah 11:1-10
Romans 15:7-13
John 1:1-18

... or on this daily office readings for Advent, or this one.

We look forward to celebrating this Advent together.