05 dec advent 2
God for whom we wait, we pray as your church. Bless our leaders, bless our sisters and brothers, bless our children. Fill us with the power of hope that we will go faithfully and eagerly into your world to show the goodness you promise. God of hope,
Restore hope within us, we pray.
God of all rulers; you are the centre of our very existence. As we navigate this life, we ask you to fill our leaders with inspiration and hope, that their life and witness may demonstrate care and concern for all your children. God of hope,
Renew hope within us, we pray.
God who spoke through the prophets, through John the Baptist, through the Word made flesh: you speak of a new and better realm. Help us, today, to see the goodness of this life, to trust in the goodness of the life to come, and to commit to the works of goodness for the world in which we live and move and have our being. God of hope,
Inspire hope within us, we pray.
God of all people, you speak and we hear your voice. You call us together in this place at this time; we ask your blessing on our community. Help us to reach out in love and compassion, in unity and kindness, in healing and reconciliation. God of hope,
Encourage hope within us, we pray.
God of all mercies; you heal the sick, you befriend the lonely, you comfort the afflicted. You are the bringer of hope: we ask that we may be the hands and hearts responding to the needs in our midst. Help us to shine light in the darkness of the world. God of hope,
Empower hope within us, we pray.
God of life, you have given us more than we can ask or imagine. As we prepare our hearts for the coming of your Son, we offer to you our gratitude and thanksgivings. For the many blessings which sustain us, for the opulence of graces you lavish upon us, for the abundance of love you extend; and mostly for the hope that we share with you. God of hope,
Receive the hope within us, we pray. Amen.
CHRISTMAS EVE:
Emmanuel, God-with us; you bring light to our world. As we focus our hearts and minds to that light, we ask you to make us light-bearers, as we pray:
Lord Jesus, hear our prayer.
We pray for your peace to prevail; a timeless, pervasive peace; the peace that passes all understanding. Bring all nations and people to an understanding of this peace, and help us to maintain this peace in our own lives.
Lord Jesus, hear our prayer.
We ask for your guidance for all in authority, in your world, in your church, in our lives. Lighten our path that we may all journey in safety and health, celebrating your presence in our lives.
Lord Jesus, hear our prayer.
We pray for those who seek you this night: those in need of an inn, those in need of a meal, those in need of medical care, those in need of love. Help us to create and support the societal aids that promote dignity and care, just as you received in your earthly time.
Lord Jesus, hear our prayer.
We pray for those that we love: those who are with us, those that we cannot be with, those whom we love but see no more. May the spirit of love endure with us and through us beyond this Christmas season.
Lord Jesus, hear our prayer.
We come before you with grateful hearts; offering prayers of thanksgivings for the light in our lives. We thank you for the blessings that we receive, and for the opportunity to be a blessing to others. May all of our lives shine the light of your glory for all the world to know; in the holy name of the child whose birth we celebrate tonight.
Lord Jesus, hear our prayer. Amen.
CHRISTMAS DAY
We come to you now, from our places of comfort.
We come to you as we are: with coffee and slippers, with baubles and bed-head, with pyjamas and presents.
We come to pray: in authenticity, gentleness, and relationship.
We come to you, comfortable God, knowing you welcome us as we come.
We pray for all to know your love: for all who have dedicated their work and worship to you this week, for those who continue to do so. Calm frayed nerves, bring rest to the weary, infuse our interactions with grace and love. Help us to know that the comfort of Christmas extends beyond this one day, and that we will carry Christmas with us through the loving gift of the Christ child.
We pray for all who have struggled to find comfort this week, whose smiling faces have masked an inner sadness. Comfort them, O Lord; reach out your grace and health to their souls, that they may know they too are welcomed to come to you as they are: and that they will be loved.
Help us to bring comfort to those who are experiencing need of mind, body, or spirit. Help us to advocate for those who spend all their energy just getting by. Help us in our discomfort at injustice to commit our actions and privilege to building a society where everyone can receive comfort.
Be in the hearts and minds of those who govern, those who bear responsibilities and authorities we cannot imagine. Bring comfort to their lives, that they may lead your people with kindness and compassion. Help us all to be comfortable with our roles and responsibilities, using our gifts and skills to bring greater glory to you.
We praise you for the comforts of home: for places of safety, for full bellies and feasts yet to come, for families that love (and sometimes drive us nuts), for faith that allows us to simply BE in the comfortable reality of our lives. You call us to live as citizens of heaven, to be comfortable and comforting with one another, and to receive and extend your grace. Strengthen our faith and our lives that we may fully live into the Good News you provide, with gratitude and praise.
Comforter of all: hear our prayer.
EPIPHANY PRAYERS
As the world is lightened by the presence of God, our lives are lightened through our prayers.
Grant your church wisdom; that we may go where we are guided, and lead where we called. Help us to come together to discern our purpose in your mission. We ask you to inspire our leaders, as they keep their focus on you, and that they too may be filled with the joy you provide.
We pray for all in authority, that they may live into that calling with grace and justice. As we ask you to empower those rulers who are shepherds to your people, as also ask you to turn the hearts of the Herods of this age. May the governance of our lives reflect your eternal rule of peace.
Your light illumines all people of all ages and stages. We ask for your help to see that light beaming in our community: on the young and the old, the comfortable and the labouring, the content and the depressed. Encourage us to find ways to connect safely, as we struggle through these current restrictions. Keep us kind and loving, compassionate and flexible, that this place will reflect the glory of your light.
We pray for the world, and for all the events of this week:
For the places of conflict and strife; that peace may prevail.
For those afflicted by the ravages of nature; that their needs may be met.
For those striving for environmental protection, that we will all find new ways of caring for creation.
For those afflicted with COVID and COVID-related hardships; that they may know hope.
For those whose medical attention has been delayed; that they receive care.
For those who live in fear; that they may find faith.
For those who are exhausted; that they may be refreshed.
For those who have died, and their loved ones who mourn.
For all the needs of the world; those we acknowledge, those we ignore, those we cannot even imagine: shine your light, dear Christ; heal us and all creation.
We ask you to bring comfort and peace to all who are suffering want, need, and adversity. Still the minds of the distressed, calm the souls of the disturbed. We pause to consider those in our hearts and minds, that we know are ailing, and we wish to hold up before you. _____
Be a light on their path to health, that they may find the salvation you provide.
Generous lover of souls, you give us gifts beyond imagination. We offer thanksgiving for the abundant blessings of this life; we express gratitude for the treasures that you offer to us. We thank you for family and friends; we thank you for health and safety; we thank you for the gifts of joy, curiosity, and delight in our lives.
We praise your holy name as we continue this Christmas season, as we commit to seeking you out – wherever and however we find you. We thank you for
And we offer you what we have. Help us to find ways to share the treasures that we carry, of time and skill and gifts, that we and all your people may live peaceful and joy-filled lives.
We bring you these prayers, loving God, knowing that you hear our words, our thoughts, and our desires; we bring you these prayers as an offering of love.
Amen.
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