First Sunday of Advent, November 27, 2022

First Sunday of Advent, November 27, 2022

On this first day of the new year in the life of the Church and as we begin our Advent preparations for Christmas, we turn to the Father asking for the grace to move from darkness to light.  

1. That the Church will be strong yet gentle in urging people to prepare for the coming of the Son of Man into their lives even at times when he is unexpected.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That leaders of nations will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks so that those who are suffering from famine and hunger may be nourished and fed.  We pray to the Lord.
3. That those who are sent off as soldiers may never train for war again but may walk in the light of the Lord preserving peace for all people.  We pray to the Lord.
4. That the world will react with outrage at the works of darkness that destroy the power supplies of the Ukrainian people, threaten them with cold, and dim the armor of light.  We pray to the Lord.
5. That the deaths and displacements caused by the earthquake in Java will be a reminder that no one knows when the thief will come in our own homes and inspire us to respond with care and concern for neighbors around the world who are suffering.  We pray to the Lord.
6. That the shootings in Virginia and Colorado will increase demands that efforts be taken to preserve the lives of all innocents who merely seek life, freedom, happiness, love, and peace.  We pray to the Lord. 
7. That during this season of Thanksgiving we will turn to the Lord with gratitude for the many blessings he has bestowed on us by his presence in our lives through family, friends, opportunities, and the sacraments.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That all peoples may stream toward the mountain of the Lord’s wisdom that he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths.  We pray to the Lord.
9. That during this Advent season of preparation for the coming of the Lord, we may reject drunkenness, promiscuity, jealousy, and all sins that dim our ability to see and know his presence with us.  We pray to the Lord.   
10. That those who are suffering from cancer and other life-threatening illnesses will know the love of the Lord as they fight disease and will be granted his salvation.  We pray to the Lord.
11. That the absence of our deceased loved ones will not bring sadness to our Christmas preparations but will increase our joy through knowledge that they are with our most merciful God.  We pray to the Lord.

God our Father, we ask that as we seek to know your Son who came, who comes, and who will come again, we will be granted the grace always to turn toward the light of his truth that is present in your answer to our petitions.  We make our prayers through Christ our Lord.  Amen.