Fourth Sunday of Advent A, December 22, 2019

Fourth Sunday of Advent A, December 22, 2019

As our Advent season of waiting and expectation wanes, we turn to the Lord with our prayers for the future with hope that in the birth of Emmanuel we will recognize that God is with us.

1. That the Church will announce the coming of Jesus into the world by actions that speak volumes rather than by words that say nothing. We pray to the Lord.
2. That world leaders may recognize that the Lord’s are the earth and its fullness and commit themselves to be responsible and gentle stewards for all mankind. We pray to the Lord.
3. That in their pregnancies, all mothers will find joy, as did Mary whose acceptance of God’s will in all aspects of her life inspires our faith. We pray to the Lord.
4. That whether pregnancies are expected or unexpected, all fathers will watch over their families as did Joseph who cared for Mary and her child. We pray to the Lord.
5. That children who are homeless, abused, or unloved may find protection from harm and come to know God’s love for them through our prayers, efforts, and charity. We pray to the Lord.
6. That the Gospel message proclaiming the wonder of new life will be received with joy by a world that too often uses war, violence, and hatred of others as solutions to problems. We pray to the Lord.
7. That the people of Australia experiencing record heat and fires, and all who are suffering from environmental stresses, may find relief as they celebrate Jesus who comes to save. We pray to the Lord.
8. That those who administer St. Isabel Parish may hear Isaiah’s cry, “Is it not enough for you to weary people, must you also weary my God?;” And may they respond to the sign of the virgin who conceived and bore a son by restoring the church to a place of welcome, of faith, and of joy. We pray to the Lord.
9. That Fr. Christopher may be uplifted by Paul’s greeting to the Romans and to all, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” We pray to the Lord.
10. That those who are ill and experiencing the maladies of aging may find relief from their suffering and be treated with kindness and compassion by loving families. We pray to the Lord.
11. That that those who have died may be welcomed with joy into heaven by Jesus who saves his people from their sins. We pray to the Lord.
12. For our own intentions that we recall in silence…….. We pray to the Lord.

O God, we offer these prayers to you as we look forward with joyful hope to the coming of the Lord into our lives at Christmas and in the second coming.  May we recognize your presence among us and always welcome you into our lives and our homes.  We make these prayers through Jesus Christ your Son and our Lord.   Amen.