First Sunday of Advent A, December 01, 2019

First Sunday of Advent A, December 01, 2019

As we enter this Advent season, may we stay awake and prepare ourselves for the unexpected hour when the Son of Man will come.

1. That the Church may be ever alert, awake, and observant so that it will recognize the coming of the Lord into our midst. We pray to the Lord.
2. That world leaders may do more than eat and drink, and not be consumed by rivalries and jealousy that prevents them from overcoming the poverty, violence, and disaffection that threatens to carry them away in infamy. We pray to the Lord.
3. That we may begin this Advent season of preparation aware that we sometimes live in darkness and with determination to seek the grace to dispel that darkness. We pray to the Lord.
4. That those who wait in hope for relief from fires in California and Australia, floods in France, Greece, and Italy, and drought in Southeast Asia may be satisfied and renewed. We pray to the Lord.
5. That Catholic people who suffer at the hands of Church leaders who value obedience over charity and discipline over mercy may continue to persevere in faith confident that the Lord will show his love. We pray to the Lord.
6. That Pope Francis’ call for a world freed from the threat of nuclear weapons and war may receive constructive and tangible responses. We pray to the Lord.
7. That refugees who wander aimlessly seeking a rebirth of rest and safety may know that they walk with Joseph and Mary as they sought a place where Jesus could be born for us. We pray to the Lord.
8. That during this fourth Advent season of ill treatment, Fr. Christopher will be able to throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light as he continues his journey on a path of faith and service to God’s people. We pray to the Lord.
9. That those individuals and families dealing with serious illnesses at this difficult time of the year will receive a generous outpouring of love and support from friends, neighbors, and people of faith. We pray to the Lord.
10. That our friends and family who have died may be remembered on earth for the joy they brought and for their goodness as we join with them and with the Communion of Saints glorifying and praising God. We pray to the Lord.
11. For our own intentions that we recall in silence…….. We pray to the Lord.

Loving Father, we offer our prayers and petitions waiting with joyful hope that we may join with you in bringing light to the darkest corners of our lives. May we be ever alert and expectant that you hear and answer our prayers for we make them through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.