Keeping awake as we watch for Christ, let us pray for the church, the world, and all in need.
A brief silence.
A: Not knowing the day or hour of your coming, O Lord, the church cries to you. Strengthen the church in the land of Jesus’ birth. Wherever Christians gather, empower them to proclaim love and defy the powers of sin and evil. Hear us O God,
C: Your mercy is great.
A: Not knowing the day or hour of your coming, O God, your creation cries to you. Sustain the balance of all living things. Protect the earth from drought, bitter cold, eroding coastlines, and fires and floods, that the earth may flourish. Hear us O God,
C: Your mercy is great.
A: Not knowing the day or hour of your coming, O Lord, the nations cry to you. Bring justice to the marginalized, courage to peacemakers, wisdom to leaders, and hope to generations who have only known conflict, oppression, or poverty. Hear us O God,
C: Your mercy is great.
A: Not knowing the day or hour of your coming, O God, your people cry to you. Comfort those separated from loved ones by distance, estrangement, or loss. Help us as we care for others and rely on others’ care. We especially pray for: Cayla Clark, Julie Ellingson, Sheri Finstad, Sherley Foti, Olivia Lake, Kingston McFarland, Ruth O’Connor, Jim Person, Joe Pregno, Alice Rostad, Irene Swann, Nanci Treichelt, Artie Wheeter, Harry & Diane Wulf, and those who mourn. Guard and keep them in your loving care. Hear us O God,
C: Your mercy is great.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
P: You hear the cries of our hearts, O God. Fill us with hopeful expectation, that in each day and hour we may love and serve our neighbors, in Jesus’ name.
C: Amen.