Advent Opening Prayer: Hope

Here’s an opening prayer/call to worship for Advent submitted by Rev. Katelyn B. Macrae, Pastor at Richmond Congregational Church (UCC) in Richmond, Vermont.

Advent Opening Prayer

H is for Humble.
In this season of Advent,
we come to you humbly as we wait with hope.
We realize we cannot do it all alone.
We place our hope in you, O Holy One.

O is for Ordinary. 
In this season of Advent,
help us pay attention to the ordinary things
that have the power to transform the world
in extraordinary ways.
Remind us again
how ordinary humanness and extraordinary God
come together in the Incarnation, Jesus Christ.

P is for Prepare.
In this season of Advent,
we decorate our homes and our sanctuaries
in preparation for your arrival.
We pray that you would help us prepare the way for you.
Help us make a highway for you
in the wildernesses of our lives and the world.
Together may we smooth out the rough places
and raise up the valleys. 

E is for Expectant.
In this season of Advent,
all of creation waits for you with longing and expectation.
As we worship,
help us keep our hearts agile, open, and expectant for you.
Amen.

~ written by Rev. Katelyn B. Macrae, Pastor at Richmond Congregational Church, UCC in Richmond, Vermont.  www.rccucc.org