Advent Prayer

Here’s a Prayer for Advent
For those are stuck in injustice for so long
they seek justice with every breath they breathe
and long for a new kind of liberation.

Here’s a prayer for those
stuck in the throes of grief
gnarled in the pain
and cannot feel those who are holding their hands in darkness.

Here is a prayer those
sick so prologuedly, they don’t remember
what health feels like, and subsist instead
on better days.

Here’s a prayer for the lonely
whose teeth ache when they see companionship
who lurk in the corners of libraries and shops
and love to converse with strangers and angels unawares.

Here’s a prayer for the victims
of violence and abuse
from microagressions to verbal, from physical to assassination
To all those who cannot be safe because where they are or who they are.

Here’s a prayer for those who just don’t know Lord
They are just so tired and confused, and stuck
They aren’t sure where to go next or what to do
But they are certain that they need to figure out the next step.

Here’s a prayer for those on the edge of death,
you know the ones God, waiting for that next family gathering
or that last visit, or the strength to let go–
Or even Christmas to pass, in order to join the rest of the Saints.

This is a prayer for all those waiting,
Maybe what we have is not yet hope, perhaps it is hoping for hope
But that is enough to light the candle together
That is enough to wait for God together, for the miracle whispers to us.

It whispers of the one who is to come:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Purveyor of Peace
And Government will rest upon their shoulders–
God, we are holding our breath, and light the candle hoping for hope.

We are praying with the world today, O Come, O Come Emmanuel we Pray. Amen.

Feel Free to Use/Share/Adapt with credit to Pastor Katy Stenta

Full Advent Resources

Advent 1 Full of Prophesy/Life Narrative Lectionary Year 4

Call to Worship

Ezekiel 37:1-15

John 11:25-26

Call to Worship

God you know our questions before we even ask them, we are struggling this year, can these bones live, only you know

And you reassure us, saying that you will send us the Word we need

Give us the word of Hope, we need

Come let us gather around the Word of the Lord

Confession: God, we confess that we do not know if these bones can live. Sometimes, we cannot even ask the questions about resurrection. We are too busy struggling along. We confess that we are weary to bone. Weary of the evils of the weary, weary of injustice, weary of illness, weary of sorry. We confess that we forget to ask for hope. Forgive us, and teach us to see and know that you are already at work in the world. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: Jesus Christ is the Hope of the World, assuring us of the truth that we can tell one another: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven

Prayer of the Day/Dedication: God, the struggle is real, because you are already here, making things happen. Remind us of your presence, from our first breath. Inspire us with your Holy Spirit, and encourage us as we need it we pray. Amen.

Hymns: See Advent Candle Suggestions

Children: Read Emily Dickon’s Hope is a many feathered Thing Poem. Discuss what kids Hope for.

More resources.

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