BIDDING PRAYERS
PRIEST
Mary fulfilled the will of God to perfection. When he spoke to her she was ready to do as he asked. As we stand on the threshold of the celebration of the coming of Christ among us, we pray to God our Father for the needs of the Church and the world.
READER
Let us pray for the Church and her leaders: may they always be open to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and, like Mary, strive to do God’s will in all things: (pause) … Lord hear us.
Let us pray for those in authority in society: may they exercise true humility and so perform their function free of all exaggerated self-importance. (pause) … Lord hear us.
For all those who are homeless, exiled, in prison or unwanted: may they be given, this Christmas, some sense of their true value and worth. (pause) … Lord hear us.
Let us pray for the community in which we live: may we, like Mary, serve humbly, meeting human need with Christian care and making present the love of Christ: (pause) … Lord hear us.
We pray with Mary, Mother of the Infant Christ, as we say together: Hail Mary
God or Father knows our every need. In silence, we bring to him our many prayers.
PRIEST
God our Father, you have taken away our fears through the gift of your Son. Help us to receive him with joy as we give thanks together. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fourth Sunday in Advent – Year C