Prayer of Praise: – 

(from Uniting in Worship Red Book p290, An Aust Prayer Book p184, Opening Prayers p9) 

All Nations sing your praise, Almighty God, all Peoples sing of your merciful kindness, because of the great hope that is represented in the incarnate Jesus Christ, your Word clothed in our likeness, but whose nature is so very different to ours. 

For in Christ we see the brightness of your glory and the fullness of your love for your Creation.  For in Christ we see the blessing that is ours because you walk with us and share every minute of our lives. 

Yet, who are we that you should come to us?  Who are we that you should consider redeeming us?  It is solely because of your great love that you have brought about your mighty and wonderful work in the World.

We are truly humbled and amazed that Jesus should so readily leave the glory of Heaven and of fellowship with you so as to enter the World in such a humble way; but more, that he was humbly obedient to the point of death on the cross. 

He made Himself a servant to show us how to lead.  He gave his life so that we might live.  He suffered so that we might share in his glory. 

He took the full burden of our sin as our scapegoat.  He is the living proof that you, O God, are with us and for us, and if you are for us, of whom, then, should we fear. 

All praise be to you, loving God, for your limitless mercy and grace towards each of us.  May we always be thankful, and not take it for granted.  To your glory we pray.  Amen.

Prayer of Confession 

(from Uniting in Worship Red Book p290, An Aust Prayer Book p184, Opening Prayers p9) 

Merciful God, we acknowledge that we are no different to those of the World.  We confess in contrite humbleness that we too transgress your Law of Love and Obedience. 

We are ashamed of that within ourselves which makes neither for good will towards others nor growth for goodness within ourselves.  We show neither hearts of compassion nor do we live lives of kindly service. 

We seek the company and favour of the popular, and neglect the humble and the lonely.  We forget the joy that should be ours because of your promise to come to us and to be with us. 

We do not express our thanks for the many things that you provide for us out of your bountiful goodness.  We deliberately rebel against you and are shameful.  Our guilt and disgrace is all too evident to you, and we stand in judgement.

Take away our sins and renew our souls, so that we may know the joy of sins forgiven and of our spirits being in fellowship with You.  Lord, have mercy upon us and incline our hearts to listen to your voice and to follow your commands. 

Lift our minds to hear the voice which announces the glory of God made flesh, and open our hearts to receive the Spirit who prepares us for the coming again of the Christ. 

Reign in us so that we may experience the unity of the Holy Spirit for which you desire.  

May we know with assurance the righteousness that is ours because you have loved us so dearly and have bought our reconciliation by the death and resurrection of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.  To your glory and honour we pray.  Amen.

Assurance of Forgiveness 

(from Hebrews 10: 10) 

The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews tells us that because Jesus Christ did what God wanted Him to do, we are all purified from sin by the offering that he made of his own body, once and for all.  Having confessed our sins before God, we have the assurance then that God has heard our prayer, that our sins have been forgiven because we have put our trust and faith in Jesus.

Thanks be to God.

Prayers for Others

In our uncertain world we bring before you today our concerns.  We are sometimes fearful of the condition of the World with the evidence of so much cruelty and greed.  

Have mercy on our World and all Humankind.

We pray for leaders of the nations, that they would gain vision to understand the important issues of our time.  May they have courage to uphold what they believe to be just and right.

We pray for countries where there is war and hunger and poverty, where there is so much suffering and hardship for the people, with cholera and poor medicine.

Father God, you sent your Son into the world to be the Saviour of all who believe.  You promised that he will come again to be our judge.  At this Advent time, increase in us the attitude of watchfulness and prayer, that we might always be ready to meet him.

May our lives be active in service and a witness to your living presence in our lives.

We pray for the church throughout the world, the great family of which we are a part.

Give strength and wisdom to church leaders, that they may seek your will in all situations.

We pray for families.  Lord Jesus, you came into the world and lived in a human family, so you know the ups and downs of normal family life.

We pray for our own families and especially children as they grow up, that they might learn how to face the difficulties and celebrate the joys of everyday life.

We remember those families this year who are caught in financial difficulties, those who face unemployment and hardship.

May they have the constant comfort of the knowledge of your love and care for them.

We also remember those families where lives have been shattered by the family being broken up, whether by desertion, cruelty or death.

Heal the deep wounds that have been made and give them such a sense of your fatherly love that they may be able to form new and loving relationships.

We remember those suffering in mind, body or spirit.  We remember those who are hurting.

We ask that your tender mercy would reach them and fill their lives with your peace and healing grace. 

(http://www.thisischurch.com/prayer_worship/intercession/advent4yearb2008.htm)

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil,

For the Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,

Now and forever.  Amen.