Author: Robin.Kyd

Lord Jesus, we gather at the start of a new year, we gather to worship you.
May you journey with us always, especially through the dark and uncomfortable places,
and into places filled with hope and new possibilities, into a place of light and love.
Amen

Lord God, you are light in our darkness. What a blessing you are!
You are purpose in our wandering. What a blessing you are!
You are revealed in the angel’s greeting. What a blessing you are!
You are known in the acceptance of Mary. What a blessing you are!
You are felt in the care of Joseph. What a blessing you are!
You are received in the following of the shepherds. What a blessing you are!
You are given in the gifts of the magi. What a blessing you are!
You, Lord God, are a blessing today.
Amen

To you, O God, we lift our hearts; how great you are.
You are our saviour; you are our power; you are our strength.
You are the giver of life-giving water to quench our spiritual thirst.
You are a bounteous one beyond our imagining.
You are the giver of gifts beyond compare.
To you, O God, we lift our heart, we raise our eyes, and we shout in adoration.
Amen

You, Loving God, are the God who gives peace.
In this second week of Advent, we pray that you will cause us to remember that because of Jesus
we can experience peace even within the turmoil and chaos of our world that passes understanding.
We are able to have the fullness of peace in our hearts,
because our Saviour and your Son sits at your right hand and makes intercession for us.
We are comforted by the knowledge that he paid our sin debt, and for this we give you our humble gratitude in his name.
Amen

God of promises, you sent your Son to be born among us by Mary and to take our human nature.
Grant that we, who have been born again in him and made your children by adoption and grace,
may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit.
Guide us through this time of Advent by the same Spirit
as we prepare to celebrate his birth and look forward to his return in glory.
Amen

Loving God, in weakness or in strength we bear your image.
We pray for those we love who now live in a land of shadows,
where the light of memory is dimmed, where the familiar lies unknown,
where the beloved become as strangers.
Hold them in your everlasting arms, and grant to those who care a strength to serve,
a patience to persevere, a love to last and a peace that passes human understanding.
Hold us in your everlasting arms, today and for all eternity; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

God of all nations; we pray for those who have been injured or disabled through war;
for those who have lost homes and security through conflict;
for those who have lost loved relatives in wars;
for those who face danger and take risks for peace.
We pray for all those, especially children, caught up in current conflicts;
for refugees and all those in need of aid and other help.
God of encouragement and Saviour of the despairing,
Comfort those who remember past sacrifices
and guide us in building a just and peaceful community for all.
Amen