for December 21, 2014, 4th Sunday of Advent, Readings: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Canticle 15 (Lk
1:46-55), Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38
Here are we, expectant siblings, waiting for the "once in a lifetime event" that we experience every year. It is exciting to anticipate and yet, are we oblivious or merely complacent as to what we are truly waiting for? Or, more importantly, Who have we promised to prepare for, to wait for, to follow?
Maybe it's time to re-evaluate what our coming Christ-Mass really means to our everyday life, to dig deep and listen, to examine the promises we have made in moments of true devotion and in times of crisis, the promises kept and the ones we meant to keep in the moment they were made.
Now also is a moment, rare in Episcopal/Protestant theology, to celebrate the crucial role of Mary in our Salvation - not merely as the Theotokos, God-Bearer - but even more so because she "...found favor with God." [Luke 1:30a] It is because of this favor acknowledging her devotion, because she heard God's word and believed, because she was faith-filled and faithful, that she was chosen to bring us the fulfillment of God's ultimate Promise. This week we journey from the Annunciation to the birth of our Christ...it all looks quite promising.
LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE,
PRAY
Leader: ~ God of Greatness, God of Mercy, our
anticipation accelerates on this fourth Sunday of waiting and preparation, as
we journey from Prophecy to Nativity. We are at the threshold of the
fulfillment of Your promise of a Messiah. Help us to detach from the external,
commercial, and earth-bound noise to listen deeply within ourselves to discover
how we hear and accept Your call to each of us.
O LORD Most
High
RESPONSE: Grant us the humility to live according to
Your word and will
~
As we wait expectantly and with hope for the coming of our Savior, let us be
diligent in imparting our expectations of tolerance, peace, and cooperation to
those who govern in this world, this country, and this community. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
O
LORD Most High
Grant us the humility to live according to
Your word and will
~
God of Greatness, God of Mercy, in this season of immense joy for many, we ask
special blessings for those who are suffering from debilitating illness,
serious depression, or any life-limiting physical or emotional barriers, and
also for those who give them love and support. We pray especially for:
O
LORD Most High
Grant us the humility to live according to
Your word and will
~
God of Greatness, God of Mercy, even as the pain of fresh and remembered grief
is heightened at this time of year, let us feel the consolation of Your peace
as we commend our loved ones to unending joy in everlasting life with You. We
pray especially for:
O
LORD Most High
Grant us the humility to live according to
Your word and will
~
God of Greatness, God of Mercy, we pause
in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt intentions and petitions, aloud
or silently…
O
LORD Most High
Grant us the humility to live according to
Your word and will
~
God of Greatness, God of Mercy, as Mary answered the call to live a life of
faithfulness and devotion to Your will, so have those that You, and we, have
chosen to lead us to a more spiritual and godly life through example, worship, and
pastoral care. Grant them continuing renewal of faith to inspire our own faith
and practice as we journey each day in Your love. We pray especially for:
O
LORD Most High
Grant us the humility to live according to
Your word and will
The Celebrant adds: O God our Strength and
our Salvation, help us to be patient and prayerful in these few days left of
waiting, that we may wisely discern and follow what is truly Your will, not our own will imposed onto
You. Grant us increasing wisdom and the courage of an active faith. We ask
through our Lord Jesus, the Christ who is Coming again and yet Risen, and
through the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit who together with You, live and reign as
God Almighty, in past, present, 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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