Advent - preparing for Christmas

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas time, let us learn from those involved in His coming as we pray:

Lord Jesus Christ, Light of the World, we praise you for your willingness to enter this world.

Shine in our world today, transforming the lives of your people that they might shine as stars and be used to draw and guide others to yourself.

We pray for the darkest places in our world -

• where men and women oppress and victimise one another;
• where injustice reigns and the innocent are wrongly accused,
• where children are neglected and abused,
• where people are made homeless through conflict and disaster
• where the hungry and sick find no help

Lord, enter our world this Advent, work in the hearts and minds of your people, and use them and us to bring peace, justice, and love into the hearts of people everywhere…………

LORD, IN YOUR MERCY—HEAR OUR PRAYER

Lord God Almighty, who prepared the world for the coming of Christ through the word of the prophets …………..

We pray for the power of your word to take root in your world today –

• we pray for all who preach and teach from the Scriptures in our churches, schools and colleges

– sharpen their insight and understanding, and keep them in wisdom and love

• we pray for those who continue to make the Scriptures available in every language of the world

– give them clear thinking, patience and persistence

• we pray for those who distribute the Scriptures and share their truth in countries where they are restricted or forbidden

 – protect them from harm and encourage them

Lord, enter your world this Advent, and bring truth, wisdom and enlightenment to the minds of all men and particularly those who control and influence public opinion in the nations

LORD, IN YOUR MERCY—HEAR OUR PRAYER

Holy Spirit of God, who visited Mary and caused our Lord Jesus Christ to be born…….

We pray that we might accept your work in our lives today……….

• we pray that we who believe in the Lord Jesus will be open to allow you to direct our lives according to your will – help us to submit ourselves to you in humility and trust
• we pray that all who bear the precious gift of Christ as His followers will recognise your work, and allow the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control to grow to maturity in their lives
• we pray that all who accept your work in them, will be prepared to bear whatever suffering may be necessary for the accomplishment of your work in the world today.

Lord, enter your world this Advent, and enable us to bear the cost of following You safe in the assurance that our lives are held in your care and that you are with us to eternity……

LORD, IN YOUR MERCY—HEAR OUR PRAYER

God our Father, we remember before you any who are suffering from any form of illness. We pray for any who are anxious, sorrowful, or in any kind of need at this time. We pray especially for loved ones and those who are known to us who are ill or in any kind of need. We remember them now in the quietness of our hearts.

We know that you love them, and know their every need, far better than we do. We ask that you will do for them as you see best, and bless them with your love and peace.
LORD, IN YOUR MERCY—HEAR OUR PRAYER

We give thanks for all those we love but see no longer. Remembering especially those who brought us to faith. Jesus Christ was born to be the light of the world, a light which always overcomes the darkness. Merciful Father

Accept these prayers

I adapted this from Baptist liturgy for Advent 2005