Holy is your name O God, and mighty is the one whom you sent to redeem creation. It is through our remembrance of the mercies you have shown to generations before us that we dare to approach you with our own petitions and requests.
We pray for your church wherever it gathers, asking that hearts and minds may be preparing for the advent of your Son and always be open to hearing your liberating word so that you may send the church out to preach the good news. For it is through your goodness that the valleys are lifted up and paths are made straight.
We pray too for this particular gathering of the church in this small pocket of the world and for all those who gather here. We ask for your blessing upon us as we gather for worship and moments of fellowship that we do all things in your name and in an effort to share the light that Christ brought into the world through his birth. Give an extra ounce of your grace to those who are struggling: emotionally, spiritually, or physically that they may be given relief from their current circumstance and a sense of your peace.
We thank you, O God, for this good and generous land we call home. Direct and guide those who govern our society, and refresh in us all knowledge of you and concern for one another. Comfort and protect those who are separated from their families this Advent because they are serving in far away places on our country’s behalf. Bless the people of every nation that they may live in a land where there is opportunity and freedom for oppression.
God of joy and exultation, you strengthen what is weak; you enrich the poor and give hope to those who live in fear. Look upon our needs this day. Make us grateful for the good news of salvation and keep us faithful in your service until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives for ever and ever and in whom we pray,
Our Father who art in heaven hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever, Amen.