Sunday, December 21, 2008
Offered by Victoria G. Curtiss, Associate Pastor

Emmanuel, God with us, you have chosen to dwell with us that we may more easily recognize you, trust in you, and love as you love. When even the smartest people know not what tomorrow will bring, you bestow the clear assuredness of your abiding presence. When winds of uncertainty and despair swirl around us, threatening to blow us off course, you steadfastly ground us in your wondrous embrace and promise of abundant life. When we are tempted toward discouragement and insulation, you vigilantly keep the channels of goodness unclogged. Thank you for coming, Lord Jesus. Open our hearts fully to receive you.

We lift up to you those who are in special need of your grace: those struggling with illness or deep fatigue, persons grieving the loss of loved ones, those who have no employment or fear losing what income they have, those who live continually anxious about their own safety and that of their families. Grant us hope, vision, and courage to embrace the stranger, care for the earth, and live into your dream for a reconciled world of peace. Amen.

Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church