First Sunday of Advent, November 27, 2016
Offered by Victoria G. Curtiss, Associate Pastor

Word-creating God, we trust your days are coming: days of justice and days of mercy; days of humility and days of hope; days of righteousness and days of peace; days when promises come true.

Jesus Christ, Womb-dwelling Word: as you draw near to us with your reign on earth cradled in your arms, may we not fear your coming but be alert to your presence in every moment of service, in every person bearing your grace.

Holy Spirit, Word of Comfort, when despair is what the world gives us, you bring us joy. When we cannot utter a sound, you pray for us every night and day; when we are lost and afraid, you place our feet on the right path.

God in Community, Holy in One, be with us in this waiting time. Help us light our candles wherever we are.

We pray for peace on earth. We hear of swords beaten into plowshares, yet all around our city and throughout the world, people are being battered by destructive weapons. Wipe away our fear, and open our hearts towards one another. Turn enemies into friends, and erase revenge and hatred. Turn our national obsession for security into deep concern for the safety and well-being of neighbors, especially for refugees and immigrants, inner-city youth, and persons of religious and ethnic minorities.

Grant in this Advent season that we not only claim you as our redeemer but also serve you as agents of peace. We pray in the name of Jesus, who taught us to pray together saying, Our Father . . .

Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church