Prayer For First Advent Sunday
We seek the mighty God
in the most unlikely places
as a child in a stable,
and in an empty tomb.
May God hear these prayers,
which come from the unlikely corners of our lives.
Prayers of the People, concluding with:
Give us ears to hear, O God,
and eyes to watch,
that we may know your presence in our midst
during this holy season of joy
as we anticipate the coming of Jesus Christ. Amen.
God of justice and peace,
from the heavens you rain down mercy and kindness,
that all on earth may stand in awe and wonder
before your marvelous deeds.
Raise our heads in expectation,
that we may yearn for the coming day of the Lord
and stand without blame before your Son, Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
Lord in your Mercy
As we leave this place today Advent Lord come even nearer.
Come to rejuvenate our faith, come to fortify our social conscience, come to widen our eyes of wonder, so that when the Saviour comes he may steal into our hearts and find them ready.
Merciful father accept these prayers for the sake of your son our Saviour Jesus Christ Amen
Lord in your mercy
Lord prepare us for you're coming- in those in need
On this day we pray for the homeless, the refugees the expelled and forgotten people everywhere and we remember especially today all those involved in the work of BECHAR as they seek to make a difference for the men and women they serve.
May they know that your guiding hand is with them in their daily work and tireless endeavours.
We ask you to help us all to use our gifts and our talents to the greater good of all, challenge us to drive away complacency and apathy when we know in our hearts that we can do more to help and sustain those in need.
We pray for others for whom this day will seem long and hard, for those in hospital or ill at home, those struggling with despair or depression, those seeking work, and for those for whom this day will be their last.
Comfort and heal all who suffer, give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation.
Jesus Christ is the light of the world a light which no darkness can quench we remember before God those who have already gone before us and we light a candle to symbolise the light of Christ which eternally shines and brings hope
You turn our darkness into light in your light shall we see light
Lord, help us stop comparing our Advent season to any other family because we know you have ordained us for this family, at this table, and you have good works prepared in advance for us to do that are specific for us. We find meaning and joy in whatever life looks like because we trust Jesus for our lives. Even more, when we're seated with Christ, we worship you and take our eyes off ourselves. Because we're experiencing intimacy with Jesus, loneliness and disconnection fade and allow us to focus on blessing others. We can stop obsessing over ourselves and consider how we might serve and love best. When we're seated with Christ during Advent, we realize that you have sovereignly placed us right where we are for a reason this holiday season, and we can trust that you know what you're doing. Finally, when we're seated with Christ, we can reiterate to our heart that at all times, your peace, power, hope, and love are available to us in endless supply. As we take our seat with Jesus, we pray our holiday tables shimmer with your glory and that any joy and hope we've lost returns. May we overflow with spiritual gifts as we sit with you, Jesus.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Help me to hear your voice.
Touch me once again.
Give me the courage to be your beloved.
Give me courage to choose joy.
I need you now this Christmas.
Be born in me again. Today.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father, it's the first Sunday in Advent, a season of anticipation and celebrationa time to reflect on every good thing you've already done for us in Jesus, and the glorious things yet to be realized.
You've made promises you alone can keep; you give peace that can be found nowhere else; you've pledged a hope you alone can fulfill. We praise you; we bless you; we worship you. As Advent progresses, fill us to overflowing with gratitude, humility and joy.
Father, grant us intense longingslike the ones that filled the heart of the prophets. The promise of grace and the Spirit of Christ thrilled them, as they anticipated the era of the Messiahthe time when you would begin to make all things new through Jesus.
And grant us joy-filled intrigue, like that felt by the angels. Your heavenly servants were overwhelmed as they pondered your unfolding story of redemption and restoration, for men and creation. We are the people the prophets were speaking about. We are the people angels envied. Hallelujah, many times over!
Lord Jesus, multiplied glories have already come to us, and many, many more will follow, all because of the sufferings you offered on our behalfonce and for all. Indeed, every promise God has made finds its Yes! in you. May this entire Advent season bring us back to your manger, back to your cross, back to your empty tomb; and moving forward with you into your new creation story.
Long expected Jesus, you have come and you are coming again. You are the desire of every nation; you are the joy of every longing heart. By your all sufficient merit, you have raised us and you will raise us yet. So very Amen we pray, with gratitude and anticipation, in your loving and triumphant name.
May God bless you all with rivers of His holy love & peace this Christmas and throughout the coming year, in Jesus name, amen.