THE PRAYERS,
Advent 1, Cycle A (December 1, 2019)
As we await the coming of Christ in mercy and majesty, let us pray for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.
A brief silence
Thank you, Lord, for words of warning and mercy. Thank you for your promise to visit your people with judgment and forgiveness. Thank you for Jesus, your final Word and the Yes to all your promises. Make us ready to receive him into our hearts, homes, and world.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Stir up your power, O Lord; and purify your Church. Make it a holy dwelling, fit for your Son. Make it your house, into which the nations stream. Make it the New Jerusalem, the home of all whom you have redeemed.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Stir up your power, O Lord; and cleanse the hearts of all who worship here. Fill us with love for you; affection for one another; and generosity toward our neighbors, especially those most in need of your forgiveness and kindness.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Stir up your power, O Lord; and come to the aid of your persecuted Church. Lift up their heads; strengthen their faith; and deliver them from their enemies. Set free those who hate you from bondage to sin; and give all of us grace to bear witness to Christ until he comes again in glory.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Stir up your power, O Lord, and guide all who walk the path of discipleship. Give them grace to listen, ponder, and obey your Word. In all they do, help them prepare your Way into the hearts of others, especially those who walk in the darkness of doubt or despair.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Stir up your power, O Lord, and grant your Spirit to the leaders of the nations. Teach them to work together for the common good and to put the best construction on the words and deeds of those with whom they disagree. Remind them that they must give an account of their stewardship of authority to you, the Lord of the nations and their King and God.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Stir up your power, O Lord; and banish the evils of violence, chaos, brutality and hatred from this death-shadowed world. Give your Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might to all who defend life and liberty; to all who protect our communities from danger; and to all first responders. Grant success to all they do that serves your will; heal them when they fall; restore them to their loved ones; and speed the day when they may serve you in peace.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Stir up your power, O Lord; and bring healing and hope to all whose need is great. Especially we lift before you: {List}. Deliver them from all that darkens their lives. Restore them to fellowship with all who love them. Give patience, gentleness, and respite to caregivers; and shine the light of your love upon us all.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Stir up your power, O Lord; and raise from the shadows of death all who have fallen asleep in you, especially those whose loss grieves us most. Help us to comfort those whose hearts are heavy in this season of feasting and joy. Give us grace to be children of the day, filled with the light of your love. Help us to encourage one another in steadfast faith and deeds of charity until your dear Son returns in glory. Then, by your mercy, bring us safely into your eternal Kingdom, which you have prepared for all whom you have redeemed.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
