Here’s a pastoral prayer for the season of Advent, written by Nancy C. Townley.
Pastoral Prayer for Advent
Merciful and Patient God, how we must try your patience. We rush through the seasons of our lives as though we had a mighty schedule to keep. We plot out our days, minute by minute, crowding each moment with tasks, stresses and pressures. And we begin to notice the growing darkness and anxiety in our lives. We proclaim boldly each year that we will not let ourselves get so caught up in the commercial pressures and demands and yet, here we are, back in the same old trap of "not enough time; not enough energy". The very plans we weave become bonds which imprison us.
Help us bind ourselves to you, loving God. Help us slow down and reflect on the many ways in which you bless us. Let us drink deeply of your peace. Remind us again of the most precious gift of all, the gift of loving relationship between you and your Creation. May we cherish the people and the peaceful moments you offer to us. As we have lifted before you our joys and concerns, so lift our spirits to remember that you are always with us, offering your healing touch and your compassionate care. Help us to place our trust in you, for we ask it in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
— written by Nancy C. Townley, and posted on the Worship Connection page of the Ministry Matters website. Visit there for other great suggestions for Advent worship.
For more worship resources for the first Sunday of Advent (November 27, 2011), click on Advent I Year B in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page, or visit this index of Advent Worship Resources.
For other prayers and prayer resources on this blog, see this Scriptural Prayer Index or this Topical Prayer Index.
