Give You a Sign

Prayer of Confession

Almighty God, Light of the World, you caused light to shine out of darkness in the advent of Jesus our Christ; you constantly open to us the ways we are to prepare. We confess our unwillingness to see the light and to walk in your ways. We have not always opened our eyes to the needs of others, and our feet have wandered from the paths of justice and peace. We ask that the Spirit of Christ be born anew within us, that our hearts be stirred to glorify the nativity with acts of compassion and service. Amen.

Mary Ann Neevel, Bread for the Journey, edited by Ruth Duck (Pilgrim Press, 1981), 21>

Prayer of the People for Advent 4

(Referencing Isaiah 2:1-5; 11:1-10; 35:1-10; 7:10-16)

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:

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.

Rick Morley, on his A Garden Path blog. Reposted: https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2011/12/prayer-of-intercession-advent-4.html.

Benediction

God still sends signs. Open your eyes to the possibility of grace.
God still sends signs. Embrace the child of hope.
God still sends signs. Let the song of joy send you forth in peace.
Go with the God who still sends signs.

Derek Weber, Discipleship Ministries, 2022