THE PRAYERS, Advent 3, Cycle A
December 11, 2022: Advent 3
Isaiah 35:1-10 (The wilderness rejoices when God comes to it)
Psalm 146 (The Lord sets prisoners free, opens eyes of blind)
ELW/RCL: Ps. 146:5-10 (eliminates “do not put trust in rulers”)
or Luke 1:46b-55 (The Magnificat)
James 5:7-11 (Be patient until the Lord comes)
Matthew 11:2-15 (Jesus addresses John’s disciples: blind see, poor hear the Gospel; violence attends coming of Kingdom)
ELW/RCL: Matthew 11:2-11 (Eliminates bit about violence)
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
How sweet the words we hear this day, dear Lord! Thank you for refreshment along our life’s often-dusty road. Thank you for hope that dawns unexpectedly in our heart’s wilderness. Thank you for Jesus, your sweetest Word of forgiveness, compassion, and life.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Grant that “in many and various ways,” your Church may constantly preach the Good News of what Jesus has done: “the blind receive their sight and the lame walk; lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up; and the poor have good news preached to them.”
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Establish this congregation, O Lord, in words and deeds of patience, mercy, and goodness. Help us to refresh the heavy-hearted; to heal those wounded by sin and sorrow; and to enlighten the innocent and the ignorant. Make this place a haven of safety and joy for all who trust in you.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Bless your persecuted Church, and keep it patient, faithful and steadfast. Teach us to honor their witness and provide for their needs. Turn their tormentors from their evil ways.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Deepen the faith and increase the wisdom of your apprentices and journeyman in the art of discipleship. May all they learn from you may bring joy and enlightenment to others.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Conform our earthly rulers to your holy will. Let them give justice to the oppressed, and food to the hungry. Make them set free the unjustly imprisoned, and lift up those who are bowed down. Teach them to love the righteous; care for the stranger; sustain the orphan and widow, and frustrate the way of the wicked. Use the valor and competence of our military and first responders to accomplish your will in dangerous places. Speed the day when everyone may walk in safety and tranquility throughout this world.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We remember before you all for whom this season of light is shadowed by sorrow or suffering, especially: {List}. Equip us to touch their lives with gentleness and hope; to speak words of forgiveness and encouragement; and to accompany them in their wilderness. Grant them the sure hope that you will embrace us all in your everlasting arms.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Happy are those who, in this life, put their trust in you, dear Lord. Their hope has been fulfilled. Comfort all the bereaved whose grief runs deep. And we pray: Save us from folly and defend us from evil. Strengthen our faltering hands and make firm our feeble knees. Establish our hearts in steadfast patience and the spirit of encouragement. Lead us into Zion, where, with all the redeemed, we shall praise your glory; delight in your love; and see you face to face.
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.
