Call to Worship

Beloved, once again, we embark on the Advent path that points us to the coming of Jesus.

We journey together toward the day that all the earth awaits.

We remember the signs and the times that heralded the arrival of the baby Jesus, God Incarnate.

We journey together toward the day that all the earth awaits.

We tell the stories once again as we learn how to discern the signs and the times, watching for glimpses of God’s here-and-not-yet kingdom among us.

We journey together toward the day that all the earth awaits.

Come, let us worship God who shines a light to guide us on the path to peace and flourishing for all creation.

Come, let us worship as we journey together toward the day that all the earth awaits.

Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, May 2025

Prayers of the People

In the hushed anticipation of your coming, O Lord,
kindle in us the desire to remain awake;
that we might be ready for your coming and eager to pray.

O God, in days to come,
the mountain of your house will be established,
and your joy shall reign.
We pray for the church (especially…),
that you might teach us your ways and that we might walk in your paths.
Come, Lord Jesus, and hear our prayer.

Out of Zion shall go forth instruction,
and you, O God, shall judge between the nations.
We pray for our nation, and all nations,
that your peace would be manifest in every corner of the earth.
Come, Lord Jesus, and hear our prayer.

In your Kingdom, O Lord,
wolves lie down with lambs
and children play with serpents without fear.
We pray for the sick, the suffering,
and those in distress of any kind (especially…);
that you would heal all injuries, comfort all grief,
and settle all wrongs.
Come, Lord Jesus, and hear our prayer.

In your Kingdom, O Lord,
even the wilderness and dry land are glad and rejoice.
We pray for those who rejoice this week
as they celebrate their birthday (especially… and anniversaries…);
that they might obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing might flee away.
Come, Lord Jesus, and hear our prayer.

In the fullness of time, O God,
you sent your son to be born of our sister Mary.
And his name was Emmanuel: God with Us.
We thank you for your Presence with us,
and we pray that you might be always present
with those whom we love but see no longer.
Come, Lord Jesus, and hear our prayer.

Come among us, O God, and hear our prayers;
so that when your Son Jesus comes among us
with great might, and in manger mild,
we might recognize his face and his voice,
and come to adore him. Amen.

Written by Fr. Rick Morley and posted on rick morley, http://www.rickmorley.com/archives/207. Reposted on the re:Worship blog at https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2013/10/advent-intercessions.html.

Prayer of Confession

Holy One,

You call us to wake from sleep,
to become aware to our surroundings.
The dawn of a new time of preparation is upon us.
Forgive us when sleepiness takes its toll,
when our discussions become battles,
when our judgment and self-judgement outweigh our faith.
Let us put on the light of Christ
and live as You have called us
in respect, in mutual dialogue, and in healthy living.
Help us so that everything we do reflects Christ’s light. Amen.

Posted on Fight the Bees. Reposted on the re:Worship blog at https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2013/10/prayer-of-confession-wake-from-sleep.html.

Benediction

Advent people, go from this place in the blessing of God who journeys with us, guiding our path as we wait, watch, and work for the day when we beat swords into plowshares and follow the path of peace until God’s kingdom comes on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, May 2025.