Sunday, December 7, 2014

Advent 2b General Prayer



Gracious heavenly Father, enthroned above the holy angels, let You face shine upon us and hear our prayer: 

We laud and magnify and glorify Your holy name that You do not deal with us as our sins deserve but instead are patient with us, not wanting us to perish but to repent of our sins and be saved.

We give You thanks and praise for the comfort we have in Your Son Jesus Christ that You have pardoned our iniquity by his death and resurrection.  Help us to be forgiving of others.

Bless your holy church on earth and make it a herald of good news throughout the world.  Encourage missionaries and grant them success in their labors.  Strengthen and sustain pastors and teachers as they serve Your people.  Protect and defend all of those who suffer for the sake of their faith.

Send Your Holy Spirit into our lives to renew us spiritually as we wait for the return of our Lord and Savior.  Empower us to live lives of holiness and godliness.  Keep us from sinful attachments to this world which will pass away and instead give us a love for Your word which will stand forever.

Set before us the holy example of St. John the Baptist who put You first and served others and lived modestly.  Let our lives stand as a stark contrast to the godlessness of our present age.

Because You tend Your flock like a shepherd and carry Your people close to Your heart, come to the aid of those who stand in any need.  Grant healing to those who are ill, especially Donald.  Meet the needs of those who lack the necessities of life.  Comfort those who mourn.  

We ask your blessing upon Your servant Sylvia and Margaret as they celebrate birthdays, that You would grant them every good gift of body and soul and keep them close to You all the days of their lives.

Whatever else You see that we need; whatever will serve You and our neighbor and extend Your kingdom; whatever will glorify You grant to us dear Father in heave and keep us in peace, without spot or blemish until that day we are gathered unto You.  We ask it in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

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