Second Sunday of Advent, December 6, 2020

Second Sunday of Advent, December 6, 2020

We have heard John’s promise of the mighty One to come after him.  Having been baptized with the Holy Spirit, we acknowledge our sins and ask God to be with us in all aspects of our lives.   

1. That the clergy and laity who make up the Church may conduct themselves in holiness and devotion, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That in noting the anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima, world leaders and their citizens will commit themselves to peaceful resolution of problems and to giving comfort to all of God’s people.  We pray to the Lord.
3. That during these disheartening days of the pandemic, despite the wastelands, valleys, and mountains we encounter in our lives, we may use this Advent season to prepare the way of the Lord who brings relief and salvation.   We pray to the Lord.
4. That we may be inspired by John the Baptist, a messenger of the Lord despite his unusual appearance, to hear in the voices of those who are different from us a call to repent and seek forgiveness of our own sins.   We pray to the Lord.
5. Knowing that our hearts change when we pray, we ask that our personal relationship with Jesus Christ be nourished by the Word of God and a life of prayer.^[1]  We pray to the Lord.
6. That those refugees fleeing their homes through rugged land and rough country will find smooth plains, broad valleys, and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That we may be fearless in proclaiming the good news of the coming into this world of the Lord who shepherds us, feeds us, gathers us, and leads us with care.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That the abuse Fr. Christopher has endured will be illuminated so that all forms of abuse that occur in darkness will be revealed and righteousness may dwell in our Church.  We pray to the Lord.
9. That those tirelessly working to serve the ill, the poor, the persecuted, the displaced, and the homeless may be uplifted in their work and see the kindness of the Lord through many people who help them.  We pray to the Lord.
10. That those who are suffering from serious illnesses and who pray to be cured will find comfort in this Advent season of waiting as they long for their bodies and souls to be without spot or blemish and to be at peace.  We pray to the Lord.
11. That those who have died will be granted salvation and find a place of joy in heaven for all eternity.  We pray to the Lord.

O God, in our prayers to you, may we be humble in acknowledging our sins even as we know that the waters of our baptism give us life in your Spirit.  May we animate that life as we comfort those who suffer and ease the paths of all who wander as we wait in joyful hope for your coming more fully to us during this Advent season. We make these prayers through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

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^[1] Intention of Pope Francis for the month of December, 2020.