Guided Daily Prayer (Series 2)

December 16, 2023
[view/print as PDF]

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.

---

Second Saturday of Advent ● Guided Daily Prayer

Opening Sentences:

 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may prepare ourselves to celebrate the resurrection of your son and our Lord and savior; giving thanks for the newness of life Christ gives us today; and everlasting life you promise to all those who believe in you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (adapted from BCP,1979)

Praying Together:

Alleluia. To us a child is born: O come, let us adore him. Amen.

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.”]

Jesus, Emmanuel, you are coming again, and we are not ready:
We meant to build a royal nursery, but we find you in a stall. We came to sing you festive carols, but you listen to the song of doves. We want to bring you food and gifts, but you ask for our hearts and minds.
Forgive us for being distracted and dazzled by other lights.
Forgive us for false cheer when you are our only hope and joy. Forgive us for overlooking you among the poor and outcast. Come with us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel. Amen. (BCP,1979)

Sisters and Brothers, be assured that, when we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and forgives our sins, cleansing us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

Scripture Reading – Psalm 126:

¹When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.
²Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
³The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced
⁴Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses in the Negeb.
⁵May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.
⁶Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.

[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 the perseverance to keep working for justice though the road be long, that we may never lose heart or abandon the struggle, let us pray to the Lord. O Lord, hear our prayer. [Silent prayer.]

We pray traveling mercies for all those who journey during this holiday season. Keep them safe on the roads, and from the unseen enemy that surrounds us, let us pray to the Lord. O Lord, hear our prayer. [Silent prayer.]

For the children of our community, as they grow in body, mind and spirit, that they be nurtured in faith, hope and love, 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 draw closer to the celebration of Christ’s birth, let us carry the light of hope and love into our world. May our actions reflect the peace and joy of this Advent season, inspiring those around us to seek Your presence, O Lord. In anticipation of the coming of Jesus, our Savior, may our hearts be filled with gratitude and our lives with the spirit of Your divine grace. Amen. (based on RCL Prayers)