THE PRAYERS, Advent 2, Cycle A
December 4, 2022: Advent 2
Isaiah 11:1-10 (A shoot springs up from Jesse’s root; God’s Spirit is upon him)
Psalm 72:1-10 (Prayer for the King’s son to rule with justice)
ELW/RCL: Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
Romans 15:4-13 (Live in harmony; Gentiles have also received God’s mercy)
Matthew 3:1-12(John the Baptist: prepare the way of the Lord!)
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
Come quickly, Lord! Thank you for promising to deliver us from sin, evil, and death – but even so, come quickly! Thank you for being our King, Savior, Healer, and Redeemer – but come quickly to establish your reign, perfectly and forever.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Come quickly, righteous Branch from Jesse’s root. Make your Church holy, faithful, and tireless in proclaiming your coming. By its words and deeds, lead many to repentance and faith in you.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Come quickly, King foretold by prophets. Rule in our hearts and in this congregation. Grant us your gracious Spirit. Help us to show your mercy to fellow sinners, and to live in your peace.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Come quickly, righteous and faithful Savior. Vindicate those who are persecuted on account of your holy Name. Decide with equity on their behalf. Lay low the wicked who refuse to repent. And hasten the day when no one shall hurt or destroy on your holy mountain.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Come quickly, wise counsellor. Direct the thoughts and actions of seminarians and all who are called into holy ministry. Grant them right judgment, godly actions, and joy in your presence. Bestow your Spirit upon them, and upon missionaries, evangelists, teachers, and theologians, until the whole earth is full of the knowledge of your saving mercy.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Come quickly, Ensign and signal to all peoples. Establish your glorious and gentle rule among the nations. Teach our earthly leaders to judge with righteousness, to deliberate with equity, and to care for the poor and needy in their charge. Give us grace to live in peace and to be merciful, even when that is hard.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Come quickly, gentle Savior. Protect our little ones from every danger and harm. Keep them safe from the fangs of predators and abusers, the poison of sickness and despair, the venom of lies and hateful words, and the claws of warfare and every form of violence. Protect their innocence and help us to raise them in knowledge, fear, and joy in the Lord.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Come quickly, King of Mercy. Banish those things which trouble your people in body, mind, heart or soul. Especially we lift before you all who crave your healing touch: {List}. Keep them safe from every evil, and restore them to health, hope, and fellowship with all who love them.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Come quickly, Lord of Life. Reunite us with all the saints who from their labors rest. As we walk through life’s dark shadows and winding pathways, bestow on us your righteousness, wisdom, and mercy. Help us to withstand the bitter challenges we face, and support one another along our pilgrim road. Bring us to your holy mountain, where with all the redeemed, we shall delight in your presence and sing of your mercy and love forever.
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.
