PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Officiant    In the hushed anticipation of your coming, O Lord, remind us that in you we never need to be afraid, that we might be ready for your coming, and eager to pray:

Intercessor    O God, in days to come the mountain of your house will be established, and your joy shall reign. We pray for the church (especially…), that you might teach us your ways and that we might walk in your paths.

Come Lord Jesus, and hear our prayer.

Out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and you, O God, shall judge between the nations. We pray for our nation, and all nations, that your peace would be manifest in every corner of the earth.

Come Lord Jesus, and hear our prayer.

In your Kingdom, O Lord, wolves lie down with lambs and children play with serpents without fear. We pray for the sick, the suffering, and those in distress of any kind (especially…); that you would heal all injuries, comfort all grief, and settle all wrongs.

Come Lord Jesus, and hear our prayer.

In your Kingdom, O Lord, even the wilderness and dry land are glad and rejoice. We pray for those who rejoice this week as they celebrate their birthday (especially… and anniversaries…); that they might obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing might flee away.

Come Lord Jesus, and hear our prayer.

In the fulness of time, O God, you sent your son, to be born of our sister Mary. And his name was Emmanuel: God With Us. We thank you for your Presence with us, and we pray that you might be always present with those whom we love but see no longer.

Come Lord Jesus, and hear our prayer.

Officiant    O Christ, hear our prayers; and come among us soon; for we are waiting for you, and none other. Come Lord Jesus. Amen.

ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING

Leader   The light shines in the darkness
People   And the darkness has not overcome it

Reader   On this Third Sunday of Advent we light these three candles to remind us of the Light that shines in the world; the Light that we wait for; the Light that is coming: Jesus our Redeemer.

(Light the candles)

Leader   Let us pray,
Let these candles, O Lord, light the Holy Way that leads to you, your kingdom, and the crude manger in which he was laid; that when our Lord Jesus comes he might find his light burning in us, in our homes, in our community, and in our church. In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.