BIDDING PRAYERS
PRIEST
Jesus Christ came among us as a tiny infant two thousand years ago. Scripture also teaches us that he will come again in glory. As we prepare for that second coming, we turn to the Lord in prayer.
READER
Let us pray for the Church, the Body of Christ: may all Christians live by the light of his humble birth, who chose to be born in the simplicity of the manger: (pause) … Lord hear us.
We pray for the world and its rulers: may everyone find new hope in the Babe of Bethlehem, who came to change our lives through his saving power and to be a light to our darkened world: (pause) … Lord hear us.
For those who have lost hope: may their minds and hearts be open to the light of Christ who comes with his message of peace for everyone: (pause) … Lord hear us.
Let us pray for all Christian communities, especially the one gathered here today in prayer and worship: may our joy in preparing for Christmas flow from our belief that the birth of Jesus changed, not only the course of history, but our own lives as well: (pause) … Lord hear us.
We make our prayer with Mary, who prepared for the coming of her Son, as we say together: Hail Mary … etc.
God is always ready to hear us when we pray, so in silence, we bring him our personal petitions.
PRIEST
God our Father, you gave us your only Son to prepare us for your kingdom. May our lives be a daily preparation for the day we will be with you in heaven. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Sunday of Advent – Year A