강림절 기간에 드리는 공동 기도문

First Sunday in AdventNovember 30, 1997

P or A: We await with renewed anticipation the promised coming of our Lord JesusChrist. We lift up our prayers to the Lord with the words "God of hope andpromise," and respond, "Hear our prayer."

A: For the whole church, that it may gratefully receive the fulfilled promise of aSavior through the line of David. May the whole church rejoice in God'sfaithfulness and be inspired to carry the gospel to all nations. God of hope andpromise, Hear...

A: For the nations, that an end to war, oppression, and strife may be realized inembracing the Gospel of the coming Prince of Peace. God of hope and promise,Hear...

A: For all those who suffer in mind, body, and spirit, that you bestow upon themyour healing power and lead us, your people, to support them in their time of need.We pray for the sick and the dying in our midst, especially __________ , and thosewhom we name in our hearts. God of hope and promise, Hear...

A: For our congregation, that we may be instructed in ways of righteous living, andlearned in humility. That we may live lives of service toward you and toward oneanother, God of hope and promise, Hear...

A: For a renewed sense of mission and life in the coming church year, that we mayalways work to your glory. God of hope and promise, Hear...

P: Trusting in your mercy, we commend our prayers, spoken and unspoken, to youthrough our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

#Second Sunday in AdventDecember 7, 1997
P or A: Gracious God, you sent John the Baptist to announce the coming of yourSon that the way of the Lord would be prepared. Prepare us for the coming of Jesusthrough your gift of forgiveness and the truth of your Word. We pray by saying"God, light of our path," and respond, "Hear our prayer."

A: For the whole church, that it may ever submit to your refining fire, seeking to befashioned not by human hands and desires, but by you alone. God, light of our path,Hear...

A: For the nations, that they may come to know you as light for a world made darkand frightening by human greed and ambition. God, light of our path, Hear...

A: For all those persecuted for speaking out against oppressive governments, thatthey may be strengthened by you, lover of justice and advocate of the poor. God,light of our path, Hear...

A: For the sick, the dying, and their friends and families, that they may be touchedby your healing hands and held in your comforting arms. We pray especially for__________ , and those whom we name in our hearts... . God, light of our path,Hear...

A: For our own congregation, that we may be steadfast in faithfulness as children ofGod, adopted into your family and heirs of salvation through the waters of baptism. Strengthen us to accept your call to live as christs to one-another. God, light of ourpath, Hear...

A: For those preparing to affirm the wondrous gift of their baptism, that they maycome to know the depth of your grace and mercy through the study of your Word.God, light of our path, Hear...

P: As we prepare for your coming throughout this holy season, relieve our fears andfill us with rejoicing and a desire to share the saving story of Christ with others. Wepray in his name. Amen.

# Third Sunday in AdventDecember 14, 1997
P or A: With hearts full of gladness, we celebrate the wonder of our God who turnstears into laughter and mourning into dancing. We pray, "We rejoice in yourcoming, O Lord," and respond, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus."

A: For the whole church, that we may learn to welcome strangers into ourcommunity with open arms, especially those often refused meaningful participationin society: the poor, the criminal, and those scorned for their lifestyle. We rememberthat Christ welcomes us in our moments of greatest weakness. We rejoice in yourcoming, O Lord, Amen. Come...

A: For the nations, that the quest for peace may replace the pursuit of power as away of life, and that your church may serve as a model of peaceful community. Werejoice in your coming, O Lord. Amen. Come...

A: For all those who suffer from a heavy heart or a troubled conscience, that theymay find peace in prayer, knowing that you, O God, patiently receive every requestand concern. We rejoice in your coming, O Lord. Amen. Come...

A: For music directors and choirs, and for all who add voice or instrument toworship services, that they may be inspired in this time of rejoicing to offer theirtime and gifts to glorify you. We rejoice in your coming, O Lord. Amen. Come...

A: For the sick and the dying, that you would grant them comfort and protection. Move us to visit and pray with these, your servants, that they may not be alone intheir suffering, We pray especially for __________ , and all those whom we namein our hearts. We rejoice in your coming, O Lord. Amen. Come...

P: We celebrate our God who welcomes strangers to his banqueting table, whotransforms war into peace, and who turns grief into great joy. We rejoice that thekingdom of our compassionate Lord is at hand. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

# Fourth Sunday in AdventDecember 21, 1997
P or A: Our God is almighty and all powerful, yet, in compassion, enters our fallenworld to bring salvation and everlasting life. For God's grace, we express ourwonder and praise in the words of Mary, praying, "You have done great things, OGod." and responding, "Holy is your name."

A: For the whole church, that it may ever appreciate your creation of a holy peoplethrough the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. You have done great things, O God.Holy...

A: For all men and women who serve our federal and provincial governments, thatthey may lead with fairness and integrity, and be moved to address problems ofpoverty, inequality, and environmental destruction. You have done great things, OGod. Holy...

A: For all who are stressed and anxious in a rushed and frantic season, that they mayhear your promise of peace and salvation through all distractions. You have donegreat things, O God. Holy...

A: For this congregation, that we might trust in the coming reign of Christ, thoughwe have not yet witnessed it with our eyes. As your servant Mary trusted theangel's message of her unseen child, grant us faith to live holy lives of service untilthe day of your promised coming. You have done great things, O God. Holy...

A: For families, that physical and emotional distances be bridged, and that wereflect your ever-present love and willingness to forgive in all our relationships. Youhave done great things, O God. Holy...

P: You are indeed holy, O Lord. We praise you for the great things you have doneand for your continued inspiration in our daily lives. We commend all our prayersto you through Jesus' name. Amen. CHRISTMAS SEASON, 1997-1998