Lector:  Emmanuel has come, Emmanuel is here, Emmanuel is coming soon.  Let us pray for the church, the earth, and those in need, that all receive what God promises to give.

Come to our church, redeeming God, your grace and peace raining down upon us like winter storms.  Grant your people wisdom and meaning as they live their days.  Stand with all faithful people who are persecuted.  Hear us, O God Your mercy is great.

Come to our earth, creating God.  Join us with you in protecting our lands from abuse.  Nurture all animals and plants that you have made in the great variety of living things.  Hear us, O God Your mercy is great.

Come to all nations of the world, peace-loving God.  Inspire all leaders to work for justice.  Bring sense and sensibility to con?icts. Bring understanding across faith communities.  Hear us, O God Your mercy is great.

Come to those in need, Compassionate One.  Comfort those who tremble in fear and failings, those whose pain seems unceasing.  In this season of darkness and waiting, move us to sit with those who need comfort.  We pray especially for those we name aloud or in the silence of our hearts. and those on our parish prayer list.   Hear us, O God Your mercy is great.

Come to our life as a congregation and as a community, that love for one another might grow and blossom. In this and every season, let usclaim compassion as the mark of our faith and faithfulness. Keep us from sel?sh excess.  Hear us, O God Your mercy is great.

Presider:  Emmanuel, you are holy, you are whole, you are always ever more than we imagine. In your bountiful goodness, we pray. Amen.