December 23, 2018 – Fourth Sunday of Advent
The following prayers have been adapted for congregational use by Rebecca Garber
click here to download a copy of the prayers
We invite you to include the Anglican and the Roman Catholic Bishops of your region in your prayers.
Anglican Bishops:
- Bishop Logan McMenamie, Diocese of British Columbia
- Bishop Melissa Skelton, Diocese of New Westminster
- Bishop David Lehmann, Diocese of Caledonia
- Bishop David Lehmann, Diocese of Kootenay
- Bishop Barbara Andrews, Diocese of The Territory of the People
Roman Catholic Bishops:
- Archdiocese of Vancouver – Archbishop Michael Miller
- Diocese of Kamloops – Bishop Joseph Nguyen
- Diocese of Nelson – Bishop Robert Bourgon
- Diocese of Prince George – Bishop Stephen Jensen
- Diocese of Victoria – Bishop Gary Gordon
Prayers for December 23, 2018 – Fourth Sunday of Advent
With the words “Let it be with us according to your word,” you are invited to respond: Alleluia. Alleluia. Amen.
As we await the coming of the child in the manger, we pray for the life of the church, the world, and all who yearn for peace within and throughout the world.
A moment of silence
Lord of kept promises, you offer us healing, hope, and wholeness. May we accept your offer—singing like Mary and rejoicing like Elizabeth. Enable us to mould ourselves into an earthly image of divine faithfulness that others may see and believe.
“Let it be with us according to your word,” Alleluia. Alleluia. Amen.
God of creation, God of the eternal now, you revel in the health of the earth—its waters, its dry lands, its many creatures, its very atmosphere. Make us move in your image to protect and nurture this globe of wonder and want, that all may flourish in its plenitude.
“Let it be with us according to your word,” Alleluia. Alleluia. Amen.
Prince of Peace, you slipped into our world as a humble boy, a poor boy, to parents on the move and cast out from their families in Bethlehem. You lived a life of wholehearted humanity—and paid the ultimate price for living out truth in a world caught up in its own hatreds and lies. May we somehow grapple with the truth of the cradle and cross that is our faith.
“Let it be with us according to your word,” Alleluia. Alleluia. Amen.
Comforter of the down-hearted, smile especially upon those for whom the holiday season is one of meagre sameness, upon the refugees longing for a home, and the sick and lonely seeking wholeness and companionship. We pray especially for those we name aloud or in the silence of our hearts.
(include those listed in the bulletin for prayers)
“Let it be with us according to your word,” Alleluia. Alleluia. Amen.
God of holy alliances, enrich our partnership with the Anglican Church of Canada, Bishop (name bishop in your region), the Roman Catholic churches and Bishop (name bishop in your area) and our own Bishop Greg. We offer prayers for the churches of our synod, especially Shepherd of the Valley in Comox and the faculty, staff, and students of our Lutheran seminaries in Saskatoon and Waterloo.
“Let it be with us according to your word,” Alleluia. Alleluia. Amen.
Love incarnate, you are Alpha and Omega. All things begin and end in you, and we live in the constant reforming and resurrection of your care and nurturing of our hearts and minds. Walk with all whose holiday season is marked by depression, grief, or heartache.
“Let it be with us according to your word,” Alleluia. Alleluia. Amen.
God of eternity, hold us close to all those saints who have taught us the way and gone before into glory. May we light candles for them in the blaze of Christmas lights.
“Let it be with us according to your word,” Alleluia. Alleluia. Amen.
Pregnant with anticipation for the celebration of faith, hearth, and home that is Christmas, we pray in the name of the man from Galilee. AMEN.
