for Sunday, December 14, 2014, Readings: Isaiah 61:1-4, Ps 126, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28
He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light...He said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord...'" [John 1:8, 23]
The Baptizer's voice is back with us this week even as we light the Rose candle, which, along with the readings, emphasizes the joyous anticipation of Christ's birth just ahead. The message of this Third Sunday of Advent is "Gaudete," from the Latin for rejoice and gives us a slight respite from some of the more penitential aspects of Advent. Yet John is a reminder that we must "Make straight the way of the Lord," there is One who is coming, the One who, as he told us last week will baptize us with the Holy Spirit. Let us be hopeful, eager, and joyous, but let us not abandon God's call to us to be faithful as God is faithful in the everlasting covenant with us.
The Psalmist tells us that when God restored the fortunes of those who returned from the long exile they were like "those who dream." [Ps 126: 1a] Look for the Light that is coming, follow it with joy, keep the dream alive!
LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY
Leader: ~ LORD God of Peace and Promise, in these troubled
times we have a moment of sweet anticipation, to let the joy that is coming
take root in our spirits, as a reminder that we carry the Light of Salvation
within us. Let us also remember to pray without ceasing, honor Your will to
give thanks at all times and to hold fast to all that is good.
Faithful Creator, Giver of Light
RESPONSE: Sanctify us in body and soul as we prepare
the way for our Christ
~ LORD God of Peace and
Promise, in our eagerness to set aside the daily routines of our privileged
lives and enjoy a brief season of celebration, let us not forget the trials and
tragedies around us in this world, this country, and especially in our own
community, or give up the struggle for peace and justice in our political
systems. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
Faithful Creator, Giver of Light
Sanctify us in body and soul as we prepare the way for our Christ
~ LORD God of Peace and
Promise, renew the hope of those who live with serious illness, despair, or
fear, and lighten the burdens of those who attend to their care. We pray
especially for:
Faithful Creator, Giver of Light
Sanctify us in body and soul as we prepare the way for our Christ
~ LORD God of Peace and
Promise, may those who sow with tears of sorrow reap fruits of joy with the
knowledge that their loved ones are restored to everlasting life in You. We
pray especially for:
Faithful Creator, Giver of Light
Sanctify us in body and soul as we prepare the way for our Christ
~ LORD God of Peace and
Promise, we pause in this moment to
offer You our other heartfelt intentions and petitions, aloud or silently…
Faithful Creator, Giver of Light
Sanctify us in body and soul as we prepare the way for our Christ
~ LORD God of Peace and
Promise, we give special thanks for those dedicated, as was John, to lead us as
faithful witnesses of Your Word and Sacraments. Continue to enlighten them that
they in turn will help us all be ready for the Coming of Christ Jesus. We pray
especially for:
Faithful Creator, Giver of Light
Sanctify us in body and soul as we prepare the way for our Christ
The Celebrant adds: Holy and Merciful LORD, Restorer of Hope, as we are still waiting for
the One who is to come, we plead again for Your help to hear Your call, to purify
our hearts and minds, and to live each day as the people of true faith that we
wish to be. We ask, as we always do, through Jesus the Christ, and the Holy
Spirit, who together with You reign as One God, now and forever. Amen.
Please feel free to request a prayer or meditation to be composed for a particular person, concern, or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email. Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.
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