An Advent Prayer
For the darkness of waiting
of not knowing what is to come,
of staying ready and quiet and attentive,
we praise you, O God: For the darkness and the light are both alike to you.
For the darkness of choosing
when you give us the moment
to speak, and act, and change,
and we cannot know what we have set in motion,
but we still have to take the risk,
we praise you, O God: For the darkness and the light are both alike to you.
For the darkness of hoping
in a world that longs for you,
for the wrestling and labouring of all creation
for wholeness and justice and freedom,
we praise you, O God: For the darkness and the light are both alike to you. (adapted)
Holy God, we come to you this morning with deep longing in our hearts for your mighty work and power to flow in and through us. Although our world writhes in pain and groaning, we praise you for your presence as the Prince of peace, and pray that your will be done in this world and in and through our lives. Grant us your strength and the courage to live as your servants, as agents of hope, peace, joy, and love. We desire to live in faithfulness and truth.
Oh God, we also pray for all in our church and local community who are in need of your healing and desire renewal. We praise you for answered prayer, for the evidence of your grace, and pray for your will to be done in each of our lives.
God, comfort those who grieve in this season; grant healing to hearts and minds. Enable all to be aware of your presence, knowing that you are present through the Holy Spirit. We also pray for a miracle of your peace in the Holy Land; transform hearts and minds so that a ceasefire can be agreed upon and lives can be saved. Oh God, have mercy.
We give thanks and praise in the name of our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ.