Keeping awake as we watch for Christ, let us pray for the church, the world, and all in need.
A brief silence.
A: Holy God, we rejoice that your promises take on flesh in Jesus. Grant patience to your church awaiting the fulfillment of your reign of justice and peace. Restore in us the hope that we are called to proclaim to the world. Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.
A: Life-giving God, we rejoice that you coax flowers from the desert and water from the wilderness. Send rain to parched fields and sun to flooded plains. Nurture all that lies sleeping under frozen ground. Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.
A: Almighty God, we rejoice in your authority as Prince of peace. Deliver us from those who wield power through unjust and oppressive ways. Raise up prophets to speak your truth in this and every nation. Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.
A: Gracious God, we rejoice that you dwell in human bodies. Renew signs of your joyful presence in people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and abilities. We especially pray for: Garth Bendel, Cayla Clark, Julie Ellingson, Chris & Sheri Finstad, Sherley Foti, Jody Jeffrey, Olivia Lake, Kingston McFarland, Kathy MenNealey, Ruth O’Connor, Jim Person, Joe Pregno, Warren Richter, Alice Rostad, Darlene Sand, Irene Swann, The Fanning Family, T.J. (4-year old with cancer), Artie Wheeter, Harry & Diane Wulf, and for those who mourn., Empower all to embrace their callings and the gifts of your Spirit. Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.
A: Generous God, we rejoice that you create us to praise you. Strengthen the voices and hands of all who prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth with music, dancing, and proclamation, in worship and in the community. Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
P: You hear the cries of our hearts, O Lord. Fill us with hopeful expectation, that in each day and hour we may love and serve our neighbors, in Jesus’ name.
C: Amen.