Introduction: Today, we start our season of preparation as celebrate the first weekend in Advent. We celebrate the way Jesus came into the world as a baby in the humble stable in Bethlehem. We celebrate the different ways he comes into our hearts each day in the reality of our lives. May we be prepared when Jesus comes into the world at Christmas. May we be prepared when he will come again at the end of time, at an hour we do not expect.
Lord Jesus - you are Emmanuel. You are God with us.
Christ Jesus - you call us to wait and prepare.
Lord Jesus - you bring us Advent joy as we await your birth.
Priest: On the first Sunday of Advent, we present our prayers to our heavenly father as we prepare for the coming of the Lord:
1.That we in the Church may grow in our awareness of how God is fulfilling the deepest desires of our hearts. May we expectantly await God’s continuing work, and learn to recognize God’s presence in our lives. We pray to the Lord.
2. That we be aware of the signs of the times and that the Spirit will shake us from our complacency to live life fully each day. We pray to the Lord.
3. That we may throw off the darkness of selfishness, jealousy, and greed, and instead live as children of light and show God’s love, patience, and compassion to others. We pray to the Lord.
4. For all who await God's blessings. We pray for women who are pregnant, those who are separated from family or homeland, and for members of the military awaiting to return home. May God’s comforting and strengthening love will sustain them. We pray to the Lord.
5. That the hearts of the leaders of the nations be awakened by God so that the needs for jobs, healthcare, safety, and nourishment may be met for all in need. We pray to the Lord.
6. That our children, youth, and college students recognize all the blessings that are theirs. May their hearts not be lost in the things that they desire. We pray to the Lord.
7. For all who are working for peace, particularly in the middle East and in Ukraine. May God guide and inspire their work and open new doors for peace, cooperation, and economic advancement. We pray to the Lord.
8. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. We pray to the Lord.
Priest: On this first weekend of Advent, we present these prayers through your son Jesus Christ, out lord forever and ever. Amen.
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