December 21, 2008
Prayers for Worship
by David von Schlichten
Leader: Here we are, servants of the Lord;
People: let it be with us according to your word.
Leader: By God's grace, we are the favored ones.
People: The Lord comes to us once again.
Leader: So our souls magnify God's greatness.
Leader: Greetings, favored ones!
People: The Lord is with you,
Leader: and also with you. Let us pray: We praise you, God, for your faithfulness to David's line. Your promised him an everlasting house, and you delivered on that promise through the thorny coronation of the Messiah. Lead us during these final, harried days of Advent and through the Christmas season to celebrate as the loyal subjects of Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Loving Father, we have sinned. We cast down the lowly. We fill our full bellies while entire nations starve. We scramble to buy more expensive toys, more gadgets, while millions lack clean water and adequate clothing. We doubt your power to use us as vessels for miracles. We are so busy running that we allow no time for being still and knowing that you are God.
For the sake of the Messiah from the line of David, forgive us. Heal us to be incarnations of the season's sacredness. Amen.
Leader: The Almighty has done great things for us,
People: and holy is God's name.
Leader: The Lord has lifted us by forgiving us, thanks be to Christ.
People: The crucial manger contains our salvation.
Leader: The Almighty Father has come to our aid through forgiveness.
People: God remembers the promise of mercy made to Abraham and his children forever.
Leader: Holy Spirit, come upon us.
People: Most High, overpower us.
Leader: Fill us with the Word,
People: that we may be bearers of the Son of God to a barren world.
Jesus, descendant of David, you have given life to the Church. We praise you for Advent and the approach of the Christmas season. It is easy for us to get caught up in worrying about all the wrong things. Grant us the wisdom and courage to do what we must with our hearts and minds always on you.
Son of Mary and Son of God, (congregational response: you lift us up.).
We are grateful for your servants Mary and Joseph. We find moving and profound their simple but extraordinary story. Lead us to that story again for the first time. Son of Mary and Son of God, . . .
Thank you for your servant Stephen, who sacrificed his life in the name of proclaiming the Good News. Bless us with the boldness to share that news in loving ways, even when doing so means people will hate us. Son of Mary and Son of God, . . .
Maternal Messiah, Jesus Christ, this season is stuffed full of exciting occasions. Bless our Jewish siblings as they celebrate Hanukkah. Thank you for rededicating all of us through your mercy. Son of God and Son of Mary, . . .
Lord of diversity, we praise you for the beautiful variety of humanity. Watch over people everywhere, from here in the United States to the most remote island. We praise you for Kwanzaa and ask you to care for all those who celebrate it. We look forward to the day when racism will vanish. Son of God and Son of Mary, . . .
Winter is deadly for countless people. Continue to challenge and empower us to care for those who lack adequate heat, health care, food, shelter, and clothing. Son of God and Son of Mary, . . .
The holydays, Advent-Adonai, are lonely and sad for many. Draw us together to delete sadness and loneliness. Son of God and Son of Mary, . . .
Over and over you present the gift of healing. Bless those in need of your healing presence, particularly [Add names]. Son of Mary and Son of God...
(You may add other praises or petitions here...)
Son of God, Author of Salvation, we offer you these prayers, knowing that, through your unique, supreme wisdom, you will turn them into healing. Amen.
Incarnation of the Word, these gifts are a manifestation of our love for you and our longing to help the needy.
Leader: The Lord, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is with you.
People: We go out as servants of the Lord. Let it be with us according to the Word.
(from www.goodpreacher.com/blog/)