Day 10 (January 3) – Ten Lords A-Leaping
Theme: The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17)
Opening Prayer
Gather as a family or individually. Light a white candle.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, who in Your loving providence gave the Ten Commandments to Your people through Moses,
grant us the grace to observe them faithfully in heart and deed.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Scripture Reading
Read slowly and prayerfully:
Exodus 20:1–17 (The Ten Commandments)
“And God spoke all these words, saying, ‘I am the Lord your God... You shall have no other gods before me... Honor your father and your mother... You shall not covet...’”
Reflection
The tenth gift from our True Love (God) is ten lords a-leaping, symbolizing the Ten Commandments (the Decalogue).
- Lords represent authority, leaping with vigor and joy — reflecting how God's Commandments are not burdens but loving directives that free us to "leap" toward holiness and true happiness.
- The first three guide our love for God; the last seven, our love for neighbor — perfectly summed up by Christ in the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37–40).
Questions for Personal or Family Reflection
- Which Commandment do I find easiest to keep, and which challenges me most?
- How do the Commandments bring true freedom and joy ("leaping") rather than burden?
- In what way can I "leap" more energetically in obeying God's law this year?
Practical Activities for Catholics
- Examination of Conscience
Use the Ten Commandments as a guide for an examination of conscience. Confess any failings and resolve to grow in virtue. - Sing Together
Sing the first ten verses of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”:
“On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Ten lords a-leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking... five golden rings...”
Follow with a hymn praising God's law. - Act of Charity
Choose one Commandment to live deliberately today: honor parents with a call/visit, speak truth kindly, or practice contentment to avoid coveting. - Closing Prayer – Prayer for Day 10
O Lord God, King of the universe,
Thank You for the authoritative gift of Your Ten Commandments,
like ten lords a-leaping with joyful direction for my life.
Write them deeply on my heart,
that I may love You with all my being
and love my neighbor as myself.
Forgive where I have fallen short,
and strengthen me by Your grace to keep them faithfully.
Mary, Queen of Saints who perfectly kept God's will, pray for us.
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
May God's holy law guide your steps with joyful energy today!
Tomorrow: Eleven Pipers Piping.