Lector:  Dear God, Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us. Let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. 

We pray in these precious Advent days of winter, for your grace to shine upon us, that we will carry the light of your love in service to others, as we are best able.

We pray in the hope which Advent brings, for expectations of peace and healing for our troubled world, in the name of God. We pray for safety and healing for the many people in unbearable circumstances, for the homeless, the prisoners, the fearful, in all nations and religions. May they know the strength of your peace.

Lord, May the light of your countenance open our hearts, that we may carry the light of your love in service to others, with our thoughts, words and actions.

We pray for your strength over our fear, for your great might to come among us, for the safety, respect and equality of all people, in the United States, and all the world. We are in your hands Lord. Teach us the way.

Lord, May the light of your countenance open our hearts, that we will carry your love in our service to others, with our thoughts, words and actions.

We are grateful for Emmanuel, for those whose joy and efforts sustain this church, for our ministers Fr. Berto, Fr. Hugh, our vestry, treasurers Bill and Margie Bangs, our Bishop Gregory, Presiding Bishop Michael. We pray for your power, guidance and blessings on all churches of God throughout the world. 

Lord, May the light of your countenance open our hearts, that we will carry your love in service to others with our thoughts, words and actions.

We pray for the earth, the climate, the water, air and habitat you have created for our survival. As Jesus healed the blind to see, the deaf to hear, and the lame to walk, we pray for you to come, O Lord, and save our earth, and us in learning how to live in your will.

Lord, May the light of your countenance open all of our hearts, that we will live in accord with your purpose for your natural world, with our thoughts, words and actions.

We thank you Lord, for nourishing our soul, energizing our mind and feeding our body, that we may serve others, as taught by your son Jesus Christ. With gratitude for our abundant blessings Lord, we have come to do your will.

Lord, May the light of your countenance open our hearts, that we may share your love in service to others.

We pray for those you know are in need of restoration and health of body, mind and spirit, and those named here on our parish prayer list:

May they be filled with the healing power of your presence and peace.

We pray for those who have gone before us to your heavenly kingdom, and those we hold in our hearts. 

Keep them in your beautiful love and peace Lord.

We thank you Lord, for your constant presence in our lives and hearts. Help us make time for receiving your guidance and blessings as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. 

Keep us, not on our agenda, but on yours Lord, for that is the joy we seek. Shine on us with the illumination of the true Light. 

Presider:  Today we open our hearts in Advent, to this new opportunity to live in your will Lord, and feel as a child, the purity, peace, and presence of your unconditional love. We thank you in the name of the Holy Jesus Christ.  Amen.