Sunday, December 16, 2007
Offered by Alice M. Trowbridge, Associate Pastor

Gracious God, creator and sustainer of the universe, how we praise you this hopeful morning. Dawn’s first light upon the snow-laden streets invites us to pause in wonder at the beauty of your creation. In the midst of this season, where we are pulled in many directions, we have come here, into the beauty of your church and into the company of the faithful throughout the ages, who saw the promise far off and by faith served and lived in its hope.

Come to us now, we pray. Enter our hearts, so that we may be renewed by you and by the story that we long to hear again: that amid the cold winter, when the night was dark, you revealed your love for the world in the vulnerability of a child and though the world was full of brokenness and strife, love came down at Christmas.

Speak to your children again of this love, dear Lord. Impart to us your truth and justice. Comfort your people, dear Lord—those who are hungry, cold, without a home; those who are sick, lonely, or afraid. For our brothers and sisters at war, for their families, for those who have lost a loved one, your comfort, O Lord.

Amidst our doubts and fears, you remain constant, you the great shepherd of our souls. Strengthen us where we are weak and make firm our feeble knees, we pray. Grant us courage to cultivate what is good and to resist temptation; open our hearts to hear the sounds of hope beyond our ordinary realm of hearing; open them to the mystery and wonder of your love. Come, Lord Jesus.

Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church