In the lonely places
The wilderness
Where we stand forlorn
Windswept and alone
Your voice calls out
Prepare a way for the Lord
In the dark places
The shadows
Where we hide our fears,
our insecurities, our doubts.
Your voice calls out
Prepare a way for the Lord
Because of the tender mercy of our God,
The dawn from on high will
break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1: 78-79)
Shine upon those who live in darkness, we pray
That all might know the joy of your salvation
the forgiveness of sins
and your great mercy.
For the desert places in which we walk
the streets we roam
the paths we cross
guide our feet.
Take us to places
where you would go.
Give us words that you would use
that in this Advent season
of promise and preparation
we might point the way with John the Baptist,
to the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
As we journey this season of Advent toward Christmas
we pray for the light of your hope and peace to surround the sick,
the suffering, and those in need of wholeness.
Comfort all who grieve… When Christmas cheer abounds, help us to be mindful of those who are struggling.
Be present with loved ones receiving care in hospital or long-term care including:
Restore the weary.
Strengthen caregivers.
Deepen our capacity for compassion.
Pour out your peace upon the troubled places of your world and our lives.
We also pray for our households of faith:
Come among us O God and prepare our hearts for Christmas joy.
Hear us now as we pray as you taught us:
Our Father who art in heaven ………………….Amen