Lector:  Dear God, we pray in these precious Advent days of winter, for your grace to shine upon us, that we may carry the light of your love. Lord, May the light of your countenance open our hearts, that we may share your love in service to others. 

We pray in the hope which Advent brings, for expectations of peace and healing for our world, in the name of God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Lord, May the light of your countenance open our hearts, that we may share your love in service to others.

We are grateful for Emmanuel, for those whose joy and e?orts sustain this church, for our vestry, for our pastors Berto and Hugh, our Bishop Gregory, our Presiding Bishop Michael. We pray for your power, guidance and blessings on all churches of God throughout the world.  Lord, May thelight of your countenance open our hearts, that we may share your love inservice to others.

We pray for your strength over our fear, for your greatmight to come among us, for the safety, respect and equality of all people, inthe United States, and all the world. We ask for your will to be done. Lord, May the light of your countenance open our hearts, that we may share your love in service to others.

We pray for the United States, for the people who trust and work for equality in our democracy, for the process of following the founding freedoms and the Bill of Rights for all people, and for our elected leaders to open their hearts to your will Lord, inspiring them to service for the good of the earth and all people. Lord, may the light of your countenance open their hearts to serve in the wisdom of your love.

We pray for the earth, the climate, the water, air, glaciers, and the habitat you have created in balance for our survival. May they be a high priority for our urgent awareness and actions for all government decision makers. Lord, May the nations of the world come together in changing our use of the earth, to one of respect and sustainability. May the light of your countenance open all of our hearts, and connect us in action for the common good, and the future health of our air, land and sea. 

We thank you Lord, for nourishing our soul, energizing ourmind and feeding our body, that we may serve others, as taught by your sonJesus Christ. With gratitude for our abundant blessings Lord, we have come todo your will.  

We pray for safety and healing for the many people in unbearable circumstances, for the homeless, and those who have ?ed their homes, for the prisoners, the captives, the injured and the fearful, in all nations and religions. May they know the strength of your divine peace. 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 we name here . May they be ?lled 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.  As Blessed Mary proclaimed, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. 

We thank you Lord, for your constant presence in our lives and hearts. Help us make quiet 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.