Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 23, 2018

Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 23, 2018

As we near the end of the Advent season, we bring our prayers to the Lord that we may be prepared for the coming of Jesus who is God with us.

1. That the Church may be renewed by this Advent season of waiting and watching so that it is strengthened in its mission to bring our Savior to all the world. We pray to the Lord.
2. That the hopeful waiting of Advent for the coming of the Prince of Peace will resonate with people of all nations and faiths as they seek to end bitterness, hostility, and war. We pray to the Lord.
3. That we may join with Mary in hearing God’s call to us in each of our lives with willingness to set out and follow the path he has set for us. We pray to the Lord.
4. That we may be like Elizabeth, never too busy in the joys and events of our own lives to recognize and marvel at God working in the lives of others. We pray to the Lord.
5. That those who live with violence in their neighborhoods and daily activities may be strengthened by knowing that God’s greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth, and he shall be peace. We pray to the Lord.
6. That migrant families and all families who are separated by war and injustice may be consoled and blessed with the grace and wisdom to act in the best interests of those they love and be reunited. We pray to the Lord.
7. That all women anticipating the birth of a baby may know the joy of God’s care, and that each may delight at the leaps of the baby in her womb. We pray to the Lord.
8. That Fr. Christopher may be sustained in his Advent season of waiting by the same call that Mary, Joseph, and Elizabeth heard from the angel Gabriel, “Do not be afraid.” We pray to the Lord.
9. That those who are ill and those who suffer from loneliness at this time of the year may experience God with them through the outreach of friends and family. We pray to the Lord.
10. That our relatives, friends, and parishioners who have died may be received into heaven with great joy and may praise God forever with all the angels and saints. We pray to the Lord.
11. For our own intentions that we recall in silence…….. We pray to the Lord.

O God, as our Advent season of waiting melts into the Christmas season of Jesus’ birth, may our prayers be answered so that we will daily welcome your Son into our lives.  We offer these prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord.    Amen.