Guided Daily Prayer (Series 2)

December 12, 2023
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Instructions: The underlined text are headings and do not need to be read. [Brackets] are instructions to be followed but not necessarily read. FOR INDIVIDUAL PRAYER: I suggest you read the prayer sheet aloud, but reading silently is fine too. FOR GROUP PRAYER: have one person act as leader. The leader reads the regular print and everyone reads the Bold Italic Type together.

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Second Tuesday of Advent ● Guided Daily Prayer

Opening Sentences:

 From the rising of the sun to its setting my Name shall be great among the nations, and in every place incense shall be offered to my Name, and a pure offering: for my Name shall be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 1:11)

Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP,1979)

Praying Together:

Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise;
we give thanks to him and call upon his Name. (from Psalm 100)

Prayers of Confession

[If the Guide is used in group prayer, the leader begins by saying “Come, let us offer our confession and seek God’s forgiveness together.”]

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; in your great compassion blot out my offenses. Wash me through and through from my wickedness, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions only too well, and my sin is ever before me. Amen. (BCP,1979)

Words of Assurance:
Thanks be to God for the assurance that, if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

Scripture Reading – Psalm 27: 6-9:
⁶Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

⁷Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me!

⁸“Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!” Your face, Lord, do I seek.

⁹Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation!

[Silent Prayer / or Music may be listened to / or a Hymn is sung.]

Prayers of the People:
“With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the Lord, saying “O Lord, hear our prayer.”

For an openness of spirit to understand and celebrate our differences, while recognizing our common humanity, let us pray to the Lord. O Lord, hear our prayer. [Silent prayer.]

For those who are traveling on land, air or sea, let us pray to the Lord. O Lord, hear our prayer. [Silent prayer.]

We pray for ourselves and for all who seek a deeper knowledge of God; that the light of your Holy Spirit may show us the way. Let us pray to the Lord. O Lord, hear our prayer. [Silent prayer.]

Make us lights of hope to all longing for your promised return. Let us pray to the Lord. O Lord, hear our prayer. [Silent prayer.] *

For our individual and special prayers this day, we lift them up to the Lord. [Silent Prayer]

The Lord’s Prayer:
“Hear us, O Lord, as we pray together:”

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Closing Prayer:
As we await the birth of Christ, let us embrace the spirit of Advent with hearts full of expectation and joy. May our lives reflect Your love and grace, O God, as we prepare to welcome the Savior of the world. Amen. (based on RCL Prayers)