A As the fulfillment of our hope draws near, let us lift our voices in prayer for the church, the world, and all according to their need.
[brief silence]
A O God, who sent John to announce the coming of your Messiah, send us to tell others of the good news of the coming of your Christ. We wait anxiously for the birth of Jesus and for his coming again. [Luke 3:15]
A O God, whose advent is near,
C hear us and renew us with your love.
A Holy One of Israel, make your deeds known among the nations. Let the leaders of all nations and all peoples trust in you and not be afraid that all peoples may worship you and give you praise. [Isaiah 12]
A O God, whose advent is near,
C hear us and renew us with your love.
A Lord Almighty, yet near to us, give your gentle love to all your people. May those who worry about health, or wealth, and family rejoice in your peace. [Phil 4] Especially to day we pray for ____________________ [list those named by the congregation]
Are there others we should lift in prayer?
A O God, whose advent is near,
C hear us and renew us with your love.
A Lord God, who has promised to be in the midst of your people, be present in your church today. Be with our pastor ______ and our Bishop ______ that they may faithfully do the work of your church. [Zeph 3]
A O God, whose advent is near,
C hear us and renew us with your love.
A Eternal God, your people praise you for joining us with those who worshiped you in every time and place. Make us worthy of those who have in every age witnessed to your grace and your majesty, that we may finally join them in singing praises before your throne.
A O God, whose advent is near,
C hear us and renew us with your love.
The Prayers conclude:
P Hear our prayers, mighty God, as we rejoice in your reign already revealed, and long for the peace, justice, and love yet to dawn, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
C Amen
P The peace of the Lord be with you always