7 December 2025 - prayers of the faithful for the 2nd Sunday of Advent cycle A

Introduction - During Advent we hear the familiar cry of John the Baptist: Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand. John prepared the people for the coming of the Lord. His call is relevant today as we commemorate Advent just as it was in Ancient Israel. May we recognize our sins and the ways we have strayed from the path of faith in order to prepare for the coming of the Lord. May we heed the words of John the Baptist today.

Penitential rite - preist - 

Lord Jesus - you are the prince of peace. 

Christ Jesus - you are Emmanuel, God with us.

Lord Jesus - you show us the way to salvation. 

Priest: May we strive toward harmony with one another this Advent season. May we lift up our needs and the needs of the world to the Lord with one accord: 

1. That we in the Church may sustain the call of John the Baptist, repenting from our sins and being conscious that the kingdom of God is always at hand. We pray to the Lord. 

2. That we may speak out about those who are persecuted, for those who are discriminated against, and when injustices have occurred, so that justice and mercy may flourish in our time. We pray to the Lord. 

3. That we may resolve our differences without war, violence, or anger, contributing to the fullness of peace in our land. We pray to the Lord. 

4. That we may listen to the prophets in our midst. May they help us rise out of our complacency and into a more profound faith. We pray to the Lord. 

5. That we may resolve to make a place for the Lord in our lives during this busy time of the year, welcoming the Lord in our midst. We pray to the Lord. 

6. For all who are ill, particularly those who are awaiting surgery. May God’s healing love sustain and comfort them. We pray to the Lord. 

7. For the homeless and the homebound. May they experience love and acceptance through our concern and outreach. We pray to the Lord. 

8. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. For our prayer intentions spoken and unspoken. We pray to the Lord. 

Priest: God of peace and justice, we lift these prayers to you today during these holy days of Advent. We present them through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN.