Shared during Sunday Worship on December 8, 2024.
Almighty and gracious God, as we continue our journey through Advent, we are grateful for all the good things you provide us: For beautiful music that lifts our spirits up to you; for festivities and times of fellowship; and most importantly, for the coming of Jesus and his kingdom. We thank you for being Immanuel—God with us—through Christ our Lord. For your unending goodness to us, we silently give you thanks.
God of all compassion, during this Advent season, we remember the suffering of those close to Jesus, and we pray for those who suffer similarly today: For those who, like Mary, experience the struggles of being an unwed mother; for those who, like the holy family, are pressed down by poverty; for those who, like John the Baptist, are victims of political repression and injustice. For all who are vulnerable, needy or unjustly marginalized, we silently pray.
God of all joy and comfort, during this Advent season, we pray for your church. We pray that the Advent festivities of our congregation—and of congregations around the world—would bear witness to your light and spread your joy. But we also pray for your comfort for all who are hurting: For those who are sick, for those who are grieving, for those who are lonely, for those who are depressed. We pray especially for those for whom the holidays are a difficult or painful time. For your church and your people, we silently pray.
We pray these things, Father God, in the name of your Son and through the power of your Spirit. Amen.
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