Guided Daily Prayer (Series 2)

December 21, 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.

Opening Sentences:
 Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. (Isaiah 60:3)

God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration we may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP,1979)

Praying Together:
Be joyful in the Lord, all you lands;
serve the Lord with gladness and come before his presence with a song. Amen. (from Psalm 100)

Prayer of Confession:
For your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great.
We confess that our hope is often in the might of our own hands instead of your merciful and all knowing ways.
We confess that in this season of light our actions are often dark and hurtful.
We confess that in this season of light we spend our time seeking lights that will burn out, and spend our money on things that will wear out. Forgive us Lord, and set us back on your paths of wisdom. Amen.  (Based on Psalm 25)

Words of Assurance:
Be certain my friends, with mercy and grace Almighty God forgives us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthens us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keeps us in eternal life.

Scripture Reading Hebrews 1:1-4:
Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

[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 leaders of all nations, and for all in authority, teach them wisdom and compassion. Let us pray to the Lord. O Lord, hear our prayer. [Silent prayer.

For those who are ill and in need of physical healing, and for those who care for them, let us pray to the Lord. O Lord, hear our prayer. [Silent prayer.]

We pray for those who are homeless, and for whom the threat of homelessness looms large in the days ahead, send your angels to guide and protect them, let us pray to the Lord. O Lord, hear our prayer. [Silent prayer.]

Renew our spirits as we watch for signs of your Advent. 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:
O God, our creator, redeemer and sustainer, prepare us and equip us to share these glad tidings of great joy to all people! Glory to God in the highest! Amen.