Second Sunday of Advent
December 8, 2024
Malachi 3:1-4 or Baruch 5:1-9
Luke 1:68-79
Philippians 1:3-11
Luke 3:1-6
Eternal God, we come to you during this season of hope. May the power of Jesus be born in us again. Give us the hope expressed in Zechariah’s song: “By the tender mercy of our God the dawn from high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness….”
Rekindle that hope in those who have grown weary and for whom life is dark.
Restore hope to those whose present or past lives have become a burden.
Restore to all of us the vision and excitement of lives which are motivated and lived with a sense of mission and purpose.
If any is imprisoned in a past which is crippling or tenaciously diminishing the possibilities of making life meaningful today provide a way of reframing that past.
Help them reframe that past so that it no longer imprisons and limits today.
Help them reframe that past so that it can be transcended.
Help them reframe that past so that it can be integrated and seen as an asset rich with the ability to understand the human experience and relate to the sufferings of others.
You came, gentle Jesus, to a world of broken people. Come again to us and transform us as you did those who first experienced your touch and grace. Fulfill the hope seen in John the Baptist that your mercy might break forth upon us.
We pray for our world: confused, in constant strife, filled with passion and rage and uncertainty. Hold this world in your compassionate embrace. Enable us as a global people to care for one another and to love and care for one another. Amen
December 8, 2024
Malachi 3:1-4 or Baruch 5:1-9
Luke 1:68-79
Philippians 1:3-11
Luke 3:1-6
Eternal God, we come to you during this season of hope. May the power of Jesus be born in us again. Give us the hope expressed in Zechariah’s song: “By the tender mercy of our God the dawn from high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness….”
Rekindle that hope in those who have grown weary and for whom life is dark.
Restore hope to those whose present or past lives have become a burden.
Restore to all of us the vision and excitement of lives which are motivated and lived with a sense of mission and purpose.
If any is imprisoned in a past which is crippling or tenaciously diminishing the possibilities of making life meaningful today provide a way of reframing that past.
Help them reframe that past so that it no longer imprisons and limits today.
Help them reframe that past so that it can be transcended.
Help them reframe that past so that it can be integrated and seen as an asset rich with the ability to understand the human experience and relate to the sufferings of others.
You came, gentle Jesus, to a world of broken people. Come again to us and transform us as you did those who first experienced your touch and grace. Fulfill the hope seen in John the Baptist that your mercy might break forth upon us.
We pray for our world: confused, in constant strife, filled with passion and rage and uncertainty. Hold this world in your compassionate embrace. Enable us as a global people to care for one another and to love and care for one another. Amen