November 28, 2021: 1^st Sunday of Advent

Jeremiah 33:14-16 (The righteous branch of David will spring up)

 Psalm 25:1-10 (Be mindful of your mercy, instruct sinners in your way, do not let enemies exult)

 1 Thessalonians 3:8-13 (The Lord make you abound in love, and strengthen hearts in holiness, that you may be blameless at the coming of Jesus)

 Luke 21:25-36 (The Son of Man comes; heaven and earth will pass away, but not my words)

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For the Church, the world, for one another, and for the sake of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

How precious is your love, dear Father, and how vast your mercy! You made solemn promises to Israel – and through them, to the world. In Jesus, your promises find their eternal Yes. Prepare our hearts for his threefold coming among us: As the Babe of Bethlehem, veiled in human flesh. As Head of the Church, veiled in word and sacrament. And as King of the universe, veiled only in robes of light and love, the glorious Yes who fulfills your ancient promises, and our eternal heart’s desire.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill your Church with your Holy Spirit, so it may instruct sinners in your way. Strengthen it in holiness. Give it boldness to proclaim your Word that shall never pass away. Make it abound in love, especially when persecuted, so that its enemies do not exult, but instead repent and believe the Good News.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the Jews, the flesh and blood kindred of Jesus and our elder brothers and sisters in faith. Banish hatred of them from every heart. Unite us with them in faith toward you and fervent love for one another, under the glorious and gentle rule of the Messiah.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Adorn this congregation with faith, love, mercy, generosity, and holiness. Turn our hearts and hands to adorn with these gifts all who are suffering.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Teach us to live at peace with each other. Help seek your will, not our own. Let us use whatever power and authority we have for the common good. Give wisdom, integrity, and common sense to our elected and appointed leaders, and to all who risk their lives in defense of liberty, justice, health, and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of everyone who needs your merciful care and glorious deliverance – especially: {List}. Gladden their hearts, heal their bodies, uphold their spirits with your own Holy Spirit. Surround them with the love and care of all who hold them dear.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

 

Merciful Father, we entrust into your never-failing care our beloved dead, especially: {List}. Ease the sorrow of those whose grief runs deep. Revive our spirits, direct our days and our deeds in your peace, and make us abound in love and in every good work. Strengthen our hearts with the gift of your Spirit, so that we may be blameless at the coming of Jesus. And gather us, with all the redeemed, into your eternal Kingdom, where we shall rejoice in your goodness and righteousness forever.

Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

 For all these things; for all we lift before you in the silence of our hearts; and for everything that you know we need, we pray in the name and power of our Lord Jesus Christ, and commend into your mighty and merciful hands.

Amen.

 

“To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord” (1 Timothy 1:2).

Are you a true child of the faith?  This is a legitimate question.  It gets to the heart – literally.  Our prideful self says, “Of course.”  But do we really spend time in introspection and open to the Lord and seek to have the Holy Spirit search our soul?  Grace, mercy, and peace come from God.  Be led by the Holy Spirit to know this and to truly become a child not of Paul, but of the Father.

Holy Spirit, You know all that is before me and what yet needs to happen.  Guide me, Lord, in the way of true faith so that I would not avoid all the difficulties, but come fully into the faith by Your leading.  Guide me, O Lord, so that I be led today and help me face whatever I need to face tomorrow that I would grow in those directions where I need to grow.  Help me now and forever to truly live in faith.

By Faith, Scripture tells us, the men and women of old lived and became the examples we read about in Your Word, Lord.  Lead me, Lord, wherever You will lead me and help me to be content with wherever that is.  Through all that comes my way this day, help me to stand firm and be strong in You.  You alone are the Rock of my salvation and I need You to guide me each step of the way.  Amen.