December 20, 2015 – Fourth Sunday of Advent
The following prayers have been adapted for congregational use by Rebecca Garber
click here to download a copy of he prayers
Emmanuel has done great things within us, Emmanuel is among us now, Emmanuel is coming soon. Let us rise up and receive the great things being done in us, your people.
a brief silence
With the words, God who feeds us with freedom and vision, you are invited to respond “hear our prayer.”
Let us stand up and revel in the wisdom you offer, in our baptism working within us like yeast within bread dough. Inspire our leaders of music and liturgy, and join us in this joyful work as your people
God who feeds us with freedom and vision; hear our prayer
Let us participate in your loving care of the cosmos, and join in gratitude for both darkness and light, cold and warmth. Save our mountains from degradation, and send us into those steep places for reflection and relaxation.
God who feeds us with freedom and vision; hear our prayer
Let us see your hopes and dreams for peace and justice to all countries of the world. Help us to become ever more loving and understanding in the complex matter of making a place for all on a crowded planet.
God who feeds us with freedom and vision; hear our prayer
Let us find our ways to act out the love we learn from you and your community of faith. Be with those overwhelmed by hectic holiday rush or excluded from its joys and celebrations. We pray especially for those we name aloud or in the silence of our hearts. (include those in the bulletin)
God who feeds us with freedom and vision; hear our prayer
Let us find ever more ways to live together in our faith community, in our families, and in our communities. May we find the joy of giving ourselves in mission to others and the humility to receive what others offer us.
God who feeds us with freedom and vision; hear our prayer
Let us appreciate the commonalities and the differences we fold together in our partnership with the Anglican Church of Canada. Bless the congregations of the BC Synod, especially Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran in Comox and our seminaries in Saskatoon and Waterloo.
God who feeds us with freedom and vision; hear our prayer
Let us recall all the people of faith who inspired us and have moved on from earthly life, especially the Katharina von Bora Luther. Help us to find ways of living and loving that will call others to one day remember us.
God who feeds us with freedom and vision; hear our prayer
Receive our prayers and make us ready to receive you this year, every year, ever more in the name of the Light of the World.
AMEN.
