December 16, 2012
Prayers for Worship
by David von Schlichten
Leader: John calls us to bear fruit worthy of repentance.
People: Prepare the way of the LORD.
Leader: Share your possessions; do not take from each other. Model your heart after the manger.
People: The one who is more powerful than John is coming. Rejoice!
Adonai of Joy, we exalt you for sending Messiah—present, future, present. Always hope. Fill us with your all-surpassing peace. Guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Please. Yes.
How we have sinned against you, God. Where to begin? We buy lots of stuff but bear little fruit. We rest on our laurels, become complacent. We justify stinginess and short-changing people. We are ready to repine, reluctant to rejoice.
In the name of the one born in the manger, forgive us. Refine us.
Joy for your souls! Your sins are gone. Christ has forgiven you. Go and tell!
Maranatha!
Lord of pink, Christmas-dawn renewal, we praise you for the Church and all the ways you lead us. We are in awe of your servants John the Baptist and Mary. God of Hope, (congregational response: you fill us with joy.).
We thank you for your vast and rich creation, including us humans. We exalt you for our nation. Bless the U.S. and all the world. Bring peace to the Middle East. Steer us away from this fiscal cliff. Grant us wisdom and humility to be bearers of your compassion instead of enablers of dysfunction. God of Hope, . . .
Apocalypse Adonai, we humans gobble up rumors and misinformation about the End. Teach us to stop escaping into such matters and instead to face our calling, focusing in the present on ending suffering. God of Hope, . . .
Lord of Light, winter begins. These are the darkest days of the year. Enlarge our capacity to help those for whom this is an especially perilous time. God of Hope, . . .
Mother, heal all in need, including everyone we mention. [Add names.] Increase our determination to assist in the healing but to give you the glory. God of Hope, . . .
(You may add other praises and petitions here...)
According to Messiah we pray. Yes.
Accept our sacrifice of thanksgiving.
Leader: God, Father, Son, and Spirit, has awakened us. Rejoice!
People: We enter the week to prepare for Christ by caring with eyes wide open for all in need.
(from www.goodpreacher.com/blog/)