Sunday, December 13, 2009
Offered by Adam H. Fronczek, Associate Pastor

God of power and might, God who comes down to this world, we search for you in prayer because our lives are shrouded in mystery. We strain to see into a future we cannot fully know. We make plans but cannot avoid the stumbling blocks that may appear in our way.

And in your holiness, you, O God, are a mystery to us. Clouds and thick darkness are all around you; our ways are not your ways and our thoughts not your thoughts. We are weary with the toil of our past. Here, in your house, we come to sit and rest a while, because your promise to us is that you are coming to meet us in a way that we might be able to see you. In the cry of a tiny child we will meet you in the awful quiet of the night. And in the days to come, that child will grow to be the man who listens to us, who walks besides us in our pain, who forgives our sins and hears our prayers.

We pray for people who wait, for parents who wait for missing children, families who wait for women and men endlessly away at war. We pray for those who wait for healing, for those who wait for the tests to be announced, for pain to go away. We pray for people who are depressed or anxious. We pray that you would bring peace of mind to those who need it. We pray for personal concerns that live in our community this day: for victims of fire; for those who live in unprotected in a city that is cold and getting colder; we pray for those who grieve a loss; we pray for people who are hungry.

We pray for people who wait for a job or a paycheck or a little more work to make ends meet. We pray for people who have worked and saved and who have seen their plans disappear.

We pray for those in positions of authority over others. We pray for elected officials and military personnel. We pray for civic leaders and for women and men who are concerned about their employees and their families. Make them and all of us wise and just in their decisions. Help us to remain calm when we face pressure.

There is much for us to fear, but like it was said to the shepherds, “Fear not,” for light breaks forth into the world in the days to come. The shadows of death seem to surround us, but your promise is that light is coming. The challenge of your promise is that we must share joy if we want to experience it. We must struggle against evil and injustice and despair. So encourage us, God.

Make us people who can see the light of your promise and share it with those who are in need. Make us watchful, God, for the places in life where our actions might answer the prayers of others. We need not be consumed by the darkness and the uncertainty; we need not leave others that way. We can be a sign of your grace and peace, providing a next meal, a shoulder to cry on in sadness, a reassuring word when times are uncertain. Remove us from the shadows, God, by force if necessary. Startle us. Hurl us into the light.

May we know the gentleness of the child that comes. His beauty doth excel all things. The only shadow that surrounds us is the one cast by the wings of his angels; his love guards our hearts and minds; his name is Jesus the Christ.

There is good news of great joy. It is near. In the shadow of Christ, may we hear the words as if for the first time:

     Joy to the world, the Lord is come,
     Let earth receive her King.
     Let every heart prepare room,
     And heaven and nature sing.

Our Father . . .

Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church