Prayers of the People
Officiant In the hushed anticipation of your coming, O Lord, remind us that you are always with us, that like Joseph we might always be eager to fulfill your will, and be 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.
O Christ, hear our prayers, restore us, and show us the glorious light of your countenance, that we might be saved. Come Lord Jesus. Amen.
Advent Wreath Lighting
Leader The light shines in the darkness
People And the darkness has not overcome it
Reader On this Fourth Sunday of Advent we light these four 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, be a reminder that you are Emmanuel – God With Us, and because of your Holy Presence among us always there is no reason to ever be afraid; Restore us, O God of hosts, and let Your light shine within us. In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
