Desire is the movement of the heart that draws us toward God. It is the spark within the soul that awakens, reaches, and longs for the One who created us. Advent deepens this desire. It teaches us to name what our heart truly seeks and to bring that longing into prayer.

Spiritual desire is not emotional intensity. It is the steady orientation of the heart toward the Lord. It is the recognition that only God can satisfy the deepest hunger within us. Desire is the beginning of conversion, because it turns the heart away from what cannot fulfill and toward the One who is our life.

God Himself places this desire within us. He stirs the longing for Him so we will seek Him. He awakens thirst so we will come to the living water. The discerning heart learns to trust this desire, because it is often the first sign of grace moving within the soul.

To desire God is already to be touched by His love. Advent invites us to let that desire deepen and to let it lead us closer to Christ.

“Your desire is your prayer. If your desire is continual, your prayer is continual.”
St. Augustine, Exposition on Psalm 37, Sermon 2, section 12

St. Augustine teaches that desire is the very heart of prayer. Prayer is not primarily words or thoughts. It is the upward movement of the heart that longs for God. When desire is alive, prayer is alive. When desire is steady, prayer becomes continual.

St. Augustine knew from his own restless journey that the human heart was created for God and finds rest only in Him. He reminds us that desire purifies and focuses the soul. It draws us beyond distractions and secondary loves, and it brings us into a sincere relationship with the Lord.

For St. Augustine, desire is a grace. It is God calling to God within us. When we follow that desire, we move toward the One who has already begun drawing us to Himself.

Today invites you to notice the movements of your heart. What do you desire most deeply right now. Beneath the surface wants and passing feelings, what is the longing that keeps returning. God works in that place. He often speaks through desire before He speaks through clarity.

Listening to desire helps you recognize what God is awakening within you. Desire points to the places where Christ is drawing you closer or inviting something new. It helps you understand what your soul truly seeks, even when your circumstances feel confusing.

Ask yourself: What longing is rising in my heart today. How might this desire be a quiet invitation from the Lord.

Sit quietly for a moment and ask, “Lord, place in my heart the desire that leads me closer to You.” Notice whatever surfaces. Later in the day, pause again and gently say, “Lord, deepen my desire for You.” Let both moments guide your heart toward Him.

Lord Jesus, You created my heart for Yourself. Awaken within me the desire that leads me to You. Purify my longings so they are rooted in Your truth and drawn by Your love. Teach me to listen to the movements of my heart and to follow the desires that bring me into Your presence. Amen.

Psalm 42.1 to 2 RSV
St. Augustine, Exposition on Psalm 37, Sermon 2, section 12