Author: Robin.Kyd

God of all seasons, as we journey through this second week of Advent,
we reflect on the words of the prophet Isaiah as spoken by John the Baptist:
Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.
In a world filled with darkness and inequality, we yearn for the light of your presence
and the levelling of the rough places in our lives and in the lives of those around us.
Help us to be like John, a voice crying out in the wilderness, calling others to repentance and baptism.
Give us the courage to stand up against injustice
and to point others to the hope that is to come in Jesus Christ
Amen

Loving God, as we enter this season of Advent, our hearts are conflicted:
Yes, we are joyful in the anticipation of celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ,
yet we cannot help but feel the weight of the turmoil and uncertainty
that surrounds us in our world today.
In the midst of chaos and fear, we turn to you, our Rock and our Redeemer.
We find comfort in your Word, which reminds us that you are our only true source
of hope and peace in the current darkness.
As we light the first candle of hope, we pray that you would ignite a flame of hope in our hearts.
May we be reminded that our hope is not in the stability of our circumstances,
but in the unchanging nature of your character and the promises you have made to us.
Amen

Loving God, we acknowledge and celebrate the kingship of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords,
the one to whom all authority in heaven and earth has been given.
We thank you for his perfect life, his atoning death, and his triumphant resurrection.
As we await his return, help us to live as loyal subjects of our King.
Amen

God of peace, as we remember those who have given their lives in service to their country.
We pray for peace in our world and an end to conflict.
Grant that all people and nations may work together in harmony,
and that the sacrifices of those we remember today may not be in vain.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

Holy God, generations know your promises, your covenant of love.
Lord of all, every promise made, you remain faithful to fulfil,
for your ways are holy and your name is holly; all honour and glory belong to you.
So hold us and let your love surround us.
Draw us to your side, and as we wait, we will rise up like an eagle,
and we will soar with you as your spirt leads us on in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen