1st Advent
Prayers for the first Sunday in Advent

 Call to Worship

Leader: Christ, God’s gift to the world, shall come:

People: For those who feel despair will know hope.

Leader: For those who are oppressed will know freedom

People: For those who are lonely will know love.

Leader: For those who are suffering will know inner peace.

People: O Christ, Lord of the world, your time is now!

All: Fill our hearts with joy!

Call to Worship:

Lift up your heads, O gates!
   and be lifted up, O ancient doors
   that the King of Glory may come in.

 

Prayer based on the Lections
by Rev. F. Schaefer

   God of Grace and Mercy, as we enter the season of Advent we are reminded by the prophet Isaiah that you have promised to be the God of our future.   In these days of war and rumors of war, we exceedingly thank you for your promise to restore peace and justice in all the earth.

   We thank you for the words of St. Paul who calls us to a life of holiness before you in preparation of your promise - the return of your Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We wait with confidence. We trust in your mercy.

   God of Grace and Mercy, help us to escape the disasters that Jesus predicts; help us to watch and wait. By your Holy Spirit help us to live a holy life before you, at watch and at peace, knowing that His return could be even today. My we live as those who eagerly await your promise of redemption, as those who anticipate and help usher in your kingdom of justice and peace.  Through Jesus our Christ and Redeemer. Amen.