Advent Week 2: Prayers & Practices for Parents
Easy Advent Practices: Week 2
This year we’re sharing easy (and free!) ways to deepen your prayer as a parent in Advent: an activity to share with your children and a Scripture verse for you to pray later.
Print religious images to pray with. Try Google Image to find artwork with Advent themes, or check out The Visual Commentary on Scripture or Art & Theology. “And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we beheld his glory” (John 1:14).
Donate toys or clothes with your kids, not just to declutter or make space for Christmas surprises, but as a practice of your family’s service: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me” (Matthew 25:35-36).
If you send Christmas cards, pause as you write each address (or before you click “buy”) to pray for each friend or relative who will receive them. “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you” (Philippians 1:3-4).
This Week on Mothering Spirit
Holly’s essay praises the gift of friendship—even for introverts, even in new motherhood.
Our Advent Prayer for Overwhelmed Parents asks God for peace in December’s crammed calendar.
Resources to keep reflecting
Holly’s words on friendship echo the Visitation of Mary & Elizabeth, seen in this delightful rendition from artist Jim Janknegt.
Check out ways to celebrate the Visitation from Be A Heart. Also this free Advent guide!
A meditation on Mary’s active contemplation from Cameron Bellm at Live Today Well Co.
Thanks to our sponsors
This week’s sponsor of Mothering Spirit is Be A Heart Design, a modern Christian lifestyle brand that creates beautiful products for everyday life to remind you of God’s presence in the little moments. Their brand-new holiday collection includes “Mary on the Mantel” dolls, Nativity pajamas and ornaments, wooden puzzles, and more gift ideas for the children in your life. Use code motheringspirit to get 15% off site-wide at Be A Heart—just in time for Christmas!
This Week’s Question for Readers
How has friendship changed your motherhood?
Share your thoughts below—or if you’ve got a longer story to share, email it to us at newsletter@motheringspirit.com for possible inclusion in a future newsletter (400 words max). Please note that newsletter submissions may be edited for length and clarity.