Second Sunday of Advent, December 5, 2021
On this Advent day of preparation, we come to the Father asking that the valleys of our lives may be filled, the mountains made low, and the rough ways smoothed so that we may better see the salvation of our God.
- That Pope Francis’ visit to Greece will be a step toward the unity of all Christians, will provide strength, hope, and comfort to refugees and asylum seekers yearning for better lives, and will catalyze efforts to resolve their plight. We pray to the Lord.
- That when we stand upon the heights and see so many of God’s children enduring war, abuse, poverty, and brokenness, we will commit ourselves to ensuring their security, freedom, and opportunity, as we rejoice in the knowledge that they are remembered by God. We pray to the Lord.
- That those in the Church hierarchy who bear the miter on their heads will be wrapped in the cloak of justice from God and display the glory of the eternal name. We pray to the Lord.
- That children led away from their families on foot by their enemies will be brought back to their homes and nations and enjoy the peace that only God can provide. We pray to the Lord.
- That forests and every fragrant kind of tree may overshadow all nations as we work together in joy by the light of God’s glory, and with his mercy and justice, to solve the environmental challenges our planet faces. We pray to the Lord.
- That as the Year of St. Joseph comes to a close, we ask that supported by the watchful guardian of the Holy Family we may be able to live piously, die in holiness, and obtain the eternal happiness of heaven.[1] We pray to the Lord.
- That as St. Joseph kept the incarnate Lord from all harm and affliction, may his defense preserve the Church and all of us from all affliction and harm.[2] We pray to the Lord.
- That our love may increase ever more so that we may discern what is of value and be led to live and act in all that we do for the glory and praise of God. We pray to the Lord.
- That through the joys of fertile lands and the disappointments of oppressive deserts in our lives of faith, we may hear the voice that cries out to us to prepare the way of the Lord in all that we experience so that we may see the salvation of God. We pray to the Lord.
- That despite the trials to which he has been subjected, Fr. Christopher will know that the one who began good work in him will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. We pray to the Lord.
- That the dedication of the Cathedral of Mary Queen of Arabia in Bahrain this week will lead to greater freedom for Christians in Arab countries and to more tolerance between people of all faiths. We pray to the Lord.
- That those who are depressed and discouraged as they fight devastating illnesses may know that the Lord has done great things for them throughout their lives and be filled with joy in the midst of their trials. We pray to the Lord.
- That those who mourn the death of a loved one at this difficult time of the year may be consoled in their sorrow by friends, the knowledge of God’s love for all his creation, and the prayers of all the saints in heaven. We pray to the Lord.
Almighty God, as we offer our prayers to you, may we take off our robes of mourning and misery so that we may put on the splendor of glory that comes from you through your mercy and love. We make these prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.
[1] Derived from “The Year of St. Joseph Prayer,” https://yearofstjoseph.org/devotions/prayers/
[2] Based on closing prayer of the “Akathist Hymn to St. Joseph,” https://yearofstjoseph.org/devotions/prayers/
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