Lector: O Lord, we do not know what day you are coming.  We pray for the many leaders of your church throughout the world, and especially for Berto and Hugh as well as Greg and Michael, may they teach us to live honorably.

Teach us Your ways so we may walk in Your paths.

O Lord, we do not know what day you are coming.  We pray for this nation, especially for our President Donald and the Congress, let us lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Teach us Your ways so we may walk in Your paths.

O Lord, we do not know what day you are coming.  We pray for all the nations of the world.  May they beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning-hooks so nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

Teach us Your ways so we may walk in Your paths.

O Lord, we do not know what day you are coming.  We pray for all musicians on Orcas Island as they prepare to celebrate the coming of the Son of Man in song.  We give thanks especially for Marianne who shares her talent so generously.

Teach us Your ways so we may walk in Your paths.

O Lord, we do not know what day you are coming.  We pray for all who suffer in body, mind or spirit, from addiction, unemployment or homelessness, particularly those we now name either silently or aloud, (pause) and especially for those on our parish prayer list…; may they be comforted by your Holy Spirit.

Teach us Your ways so we may walk in Your paths.

O Lord, we do not know what day you are coming.  We pray for all who have died and those that mourn.  May the memory of your saints that have come before us be our inspiration for if such is the servant, what must the Master be like?

Teach us Your ways so we may walk in Your paths.

Presider: O Lord, we do not know what day you are coming so hear the prayers of your servants to let us use this Advent season to prepare wisely for your coming, not with reveling but with devotion, so we may indeed walk in Your paths.  Amen.