The Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, 2nd Sunday in Advent, Cycle B (December 6, 2020)
Isaiah 40:1-11 (Comfort my people; prepare way of the Lord; here is your God,
who feeds his flock like a shepherd)
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 (righteousness and peace kiss)
2 Peter 3:8-15a (1000 years like a day; end will come suddenly; live in
righteousness and peace until the Lord comes)
Mark 1:1-8 (John the Baptist announces One who is greater than he)
Opening hymn: Comfort, Comfort Now My People
(LBW #29, ELW #256, LSB #347)
Hymn of the Day: On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry
(LBW #26, ELW #249, LSB #344)
(feel free to teach the choir my version: On Jordan’s banks, the Baptists cry; the Methodists are standing by; the Presbyterians all do sing, while Lutherans a hot dish bring….)
Communion Hymn #1: O God, Our Help in Ages Past
(LBW #320, ELW #632, LSB #733)
OR Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah (WOV #630, ELW #240)
Communion Hymn #2: The Advent of Our God
(LBW #22, LSB #331, The Advent of Our King)
OR Come Now, O Prince of Peace (ELW #247)
Closing Hymn: Prepare the Royal Highway (LBW #26, ELW #264, LSB #343)
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THE PRAYERS
Let us pray to the Lord on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.
A brief silence
O Lord, we long for your salvation; make haste and help us. Come quickly with blessing and comfort for your people, O strong Deliverer of Israel and the Redeemer of the world.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Prepare your Church for the coming of your Son. From valleys of lukewarm worship and half-hearted service, raise it to heights of praise and compassion. Level mountains of false teaching and self-importance. Lead it along level pathways of faithfulness and humility, so that many may journey to your Kingdom.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Be merciful to our persecuted brothers and sisters who proclaim the name of Jesus even amidst their enemies. Make their witness to shine as a light in the world’s darkest places. And pierce the hearts of their tormentors with the truth of the Gospel.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Prepare the people of this congregation for the coming of our Savior. Help us to exalt the humble; to bring low the mountains of self-will in our lives; and to make level pathways for leading others to Jesus. Look with favor upon those learning the way of discipleship, and upon your missionaries around the world.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Prepare the hearts of our children for the coming of their dear Savior. Protect and bless them; and help us teach them to love Jesus and to trust him always.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Prepare the world for the coming of its King. Give our leaders the will to raise people from depths of poverty. Level the mountains of injustice throughout the world. Let nation no longer raise sword against nation. And guide all people in pathways of righteousness and peace.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Prepare the hearts of first responders and military personnel for the coming of the King of Peace. Raise up every righteous deed. Level mountains of suspicion and misunderstanding. Lead those we pray for along level pathways to safety and loved ones.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Prepare the hearts of those who suffer for the coming of Christ, the Great Physician. We lift before you the needs of: {LIST}. Raise them up from sickness and sorrow; lay low the mountains of pain; and by your Son’s gentle hand, lead them and their loved ones along level pathways into health and hope.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Holy God, thank you for the lives of all who have died trusting in your promises, especially: {LIST}. Prepare our hearts for the near approach of our Savior. Let him raise us up from death’s dark valley. Let him crumble the mountains of your wrath at our sins. Let him lead us along level roads of faith, hope, and love into your welcoming and eternal embrace.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Graciously answer our prayers for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.
