A moment of contemplation for yourself or on behalf of others on everything from the life-altering to the mundane.


Prayer: A conversation with The Higher Other who lives within each of us. An invitation to vent, to re-think, to ask, and to rest.

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Prayers of the People: Happy Birth Day! Christmas!

for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, 2014, Readings: Isaiah 9:2-7 [or Isaiah 62:6-12] , Ps 96 or 97, Titus 2:11-14, Lk 2:1-20 [reading Christmas Eve from The Message, Gospel Christmas Day NRSV], John 1:1-18 [Gospel Christmas Eve from The Message]   

      
   
In that region there were shepherds
living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified. But the Angel said to them, "Do not be afraid...I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the City of David, a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger."
[Luke 2:8-12]  

     What greater gift will be given or received this day? God's WORD who was with God and was God has come to live among us as fully human, to show us God's face for the first time, to be Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah, our Savior. We all, born of God's will, are charged now, again, to know Christ, to feel the joy of Divine Love, to smile inside and out as we do when a tiny baby reaches into our hearts. HALLELUJAH! Christ, our Savior is born this day! His Light shines in the darkness, brightens the brightest day, and enlightens our souls. Jesus gives us the power to live each day as the children of God that we are and all we need do is accept him and then, follow. What gift will you give Him on this Birth Day? And the next and the next and...?

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O Holy Jesus, God’s Light and Glory on Earth, You are come at last, the face of God we’ve never seen, God’s gift of grace upon grace! Let our joy be unbounded for the arrival of our Holy Child, One in Being with God, who will redeem and claim us each as a child of God.
           
                                     Glory to God in the Highest Heaven!      
RESPONSE:               Peace on Earth to All whom God Favors

~ O Holy Jesus, God’s Light and Glory on Earth, we each must bring Your truth to all who hold political power, elected office, and authority over all God’s people in this world, in this country, in this community. Let our voices be heard; let us speak loudly that justice, mercy, tolerance, and peace are expected and must be achieved. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                    Glory to God in the Highest Heaven!
                                    Peace on Earth to All whom God Favors

~ O Holy Jesus, God’s Light and Glory on Earth, we ask of You, who were homeless as you entered this world, to enfold all those who are homeless, hungry, sick, and downhearted so that they may feel Your loving embrace on this Day of Days. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                    Glory to God in the Highest Heaven!
                                    Peace on Earth to All whom God Favors

~ O Holy Jesus, God’s Light and Glory on Earth, Lift up the hearts of the sorrowful to experience the hope of the Love that never ends, and let us all celebrate those who have left this earthly plain to live forever, deep in the heart of God. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                    Glory to God in the Highest Heaven!
                                    Peace on Earth to All whom God Favors

~ O Holy Jesus, God’s Light and Glory on Earth, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt intentions and petitions, aloud or silently…

                                    Glory to God in the Highest Heaven!
                                    Peace on Earth to All whom God Favors

~ O Holy Jesus, God’s Light and Glory on Earth, infuse all those who lead us in Your church with the blaze of heaven that fires us with the imagination and inspiration to embark on a Spirit-filled life. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                    Glory to God in the Highest Heaven!
                                    Peace on Earth to All whom God Favors

The Celebrant adds: Most High Lord, Messiah, the very Word of God sent to live among us, let each breath we take draw You into ourselves, that we may give out Your glory and praise in all that we are, and all that we do. Guide us, guard us, goad us to live Your divine will. We ask through You, our Savior Christ, and our Holy Spirit, who with Almighty God, from the beginning, live and reign as One, 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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