Prayers of Intercession: First Sunday of Advent
November 27, 2016
With the words, Once more we wait in darkening days, you are invited to respond Come, Lord Jesus.
Knowing that we wait and that you will come, we pray for the church, the world, and all of creation.
a brief silence
Bless Bishop Greg and the congregations of our synod. Today we pray especially for Peace Lutheran in Abbotsford and Bishop Gerhard Preibisch (interim pastor) and Emmaus Lutheran in Burnaby and Rev. Timo Saarinen. Enlighten the work of our partnership with the Anglican Church of Canada. Bless Bishop ______of the Diocese of ______.
Once more we wait in darkening days
Come, Lord Jesus.
You invite us to look into one another's faces, unafraid and ready to be your church in this time and place. Develop in us a compassion that breaks down barriers and draws people in.
Once more we wait in darkening days
Come, Lord Jesus.
You are the source of the variety of seasons in all corners of the earth. All of nature is bounteous and alive, your creativity coursing through it like the blood that nourishes our very being.
Once more we wait in darkening days
Come, Lord Jesus.
You invite us to sit in the lap of your love even when all is not well, when we are unwell. Help the sick, the weary, the fearful, and the homeless to find a way to receive your offer. We pray especially for those who have requested your care and strength (name those on the prayer list)
Once more we wait in darkening days
Come, Lord Jesus.
You rouse us from the sleep of indifference, giving us the courage to speak for those who are voiceless, demand justice for those unfairly treated, and provide food for those who hunger and thirst for goodness in their lives.
Once more we wait in darkening days
Come, Lord Jesus.
You set a table before us and say, eat the bread of everlasting blessing and drink from the cup of salvation. In this year marking the Reformation, we dare to hope for sharing this table as Catholics and Protestants look toward your ongoing renewal of your church.
Once more we wait in darkening days
Come, Lord Jesus.
Let us close our prayers, acknowledging that we truly know your light only when we trust you with our darkness. In the name of Jesus, rabbi, teacher, Lord.
Amen