Prayers for the week commencing Sunday 27th November 2022

Prayer of Praise

Blessed are you Almighty God, and forever blessed are the people of this world since you chose to break into our History in the person of Jesus Christ. He made your extravagant love so visible in and through all he said and did.

Precious Jesus, you came so that we might know we are yours by choice; loved, embraced, saved by your love and grace, welcomed to your family and precious in your sight.

You came, so that we might be made complete, all we were ever meant to be.

You came, as a Shepherd seeking every sheep that is lost so you might bring them home. And beyond even the cruel Cross you are still Saviour, Messiah, to all who would heed your call.

In this Advent of expectation, draw us together in unity, that our praise and worship might echo in these walls and also through our lives.

In this Advent of expectation, draw us together in mission, that the hope within might be the song we sing, and the melody of our lives.

In this Advent of expectation, draw us together in service, that the path we follow might lead us from a stable to a glimpse of eternity. To your glory we pray. Amen.

(https://www.faithandworship.com/prayers_Christmas.htm#gsc.tab=0)

(also Moira Laidlaw in Liturgies Online Year A Advent One)

Prayer of Confession

Merciful God, into the daily cycle of our lives, when all seems well with us and with the world, when our yoke seems easy and the burden light,

You break in and scatter our complacency.

Into the daily cycle of our lives, when we are comfortable and at ease, when we have put our feet up and our eyes are closed,

You break in and challenge our dependency.

You break into our daily prayers, our humble hearts,

You lay our souls bare and break in.

You break in when our defences are down, with an Angel’s shout, or the quietest sound, you break in.

And we are changed and renewed when you break in.

In the lonely places, the wilderness, where we stand forlorn, windswept and alone,

Your voice calls out, “Prepare a way for the Lord.”

In the dark places, the shadows, where we hide our fears and embrace our tears,

Your voice calls out, “Prepare a way for the Lord.”

For the desert places in which we walk, the streets we roam, the paths we cross, guide our feet and take us to places where you would go.

Give us words that you would use, that in this Advent season of promise and preparation, we might point the way to the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

(https://www.faithandworship.com/prayers_Christmas.htm#gsc.tab=0)

Prayers for Others

Loving Jesus, you were born in a stable but worshipped by the angels. Be with all who are lonely, and with all who feel distant from celebrations. Be for us a living hope that lightens their hearts.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Jesus, as you healed the sick, bring healing to those in families who are ill today. Guide and direct the doctors, nurses and medical staff who have accepted the responsibility to tend the sick and injured, to find cures for illness and diseases, and to bring wholeness back into people’s lives.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Christ, for whom there was no room in the inn, give courage to all who are homeless; to those desperate for a means to provide a livelihood for their family

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Christ, who fled into Egypt, give comfort to all refugees; that they will find acceptance in a new land and a means to provide for themselves and their family.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Christ, who fasted in the desert, give relief to all who are starving; to those affected by financial distress, to those affected by famine, to those affected by natural disasters.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Christ, who hung in agony on the cross, give strength to all who suffer oppression and discrimination, who are abused or disregarded by others.

Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

(https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/topical-prayers/prayers-christmas)

Loving God, seed in your World and in us your vision for shalom and refuge with you. Heal those who are weary of body, mind and soul. Heal the loss of identity that accompanies homelessness and statelessness.

Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Anticipate Heaven in the hearts of warmongers and peacemakers, restoring innocence and blessing them with the capacity to love their enemies. Reconcile relationships between peoples and your created order. May Hostilities cease in places of conflict and war and in homes where safety has been unknown.

Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Enter into the World with prophetic expectation, so that those who are lost to themselves and others, might find their way into your light. May the mistreatment of the vulnerable be replaced by the yearning for respect and dignity for all.

Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

May people’s hearts be stirred daily so that they will strive to be a blessing and source of hope for others in the world.

(National Council of Churches in Australia Liturgy for Advent One – 2022)

Lord of the Church, make us one in heart and mind to serve others with joy, help us to know you, to worship and to serve you.

Loving God, who has called us out of darkness into his marvellous light, source of our hope for our present and our future, bless us and fill us with peace.

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.