Here’s
a pastoral prayer inspired by the ministry of John the Baptist (Matt 3:1-12,
Mark 1:1-8). It comes from the Literature & Liturgy website.
Prayers of the People
(inspired by Matthew
3:1-12, Mark 1:1-8)
God,
when the time was ripe and the hour had come,
you
sent your servant John into the wilderness
to
proclaim the coming of the one true Messiah:
Make
way! Repent and be baptized!
For
the salvation of God is at hand.
John
came to bear witness to the true light,
the
Messiah, the Son of God.
And
he told them, wake up!
Watch
and wait,
for
the hour is near when the Son of God will arise.
God,
on this second Sunday of Advent
we
have heard your servant crying out to us in the wilderness.
We
have heard the call to repentance and restoration,
and
we want to respond.
We
have heard that you are offering forgiveness of sins,
and
we want to hear your mercy spoken over us.
We
have heard that you are baptizing with water,
and
with the Holy Spirit and with fire:
cleanse
us and make us new.
We
have heard that you are ushering in a reign of peace,
and
we want to see your kingdom when it comes.
God,
our sins are many, but your mercy is great.
Our vision is dim, but your coming is at hand.
Our hope is feeble, but your promises stand forever.
Our vision is dim, but your coming is at hand.
Our hope is feeble, but your promises stand forever.
God,
your world stands in need of you.
Everywhere
we look we see need of you:
for
your coming, your restoration,
your
peace, your transformation.
On
this second Sunday of advent
we
pray for the nations to know your truth and your light.
We
pray for the poor, the hungry, and the needy.
We
pray for those who are spiritually hungry and poor in spirit:
may
they come to know the living water,
and
to drink deeply from your well.
We
pray for those who face Christmas alone,
or
sick, or homeless, or destitute:
Jesus
Christ, Light from true Light,
be
a light in the darkness.
(Prayers of the people)
God,
the hour of your coming again draws near.
Make
us ready: in our hearts, in our minds, in our souls.
Lord
Jesus Christ, come to us again this Advent.
Come
and do not tarry.
Even
so, come Lord Jesus! Amen.
~
posted on Literature & Liturgy. https://jesusscribbles.wordpress.com/
