Prayer for December 30, 2012-

January 5, 2013 

Sermon Text: Luke 2:41-52

That we may have a deep consciousness that we are your children

Wise God, we thank You for Jesus who came among us as your Servant to call us to forgiveness, transform us in your likeness, and energize us for worship, service and witness. 

We thank You that Jesus shared our human experience, growing in wisdom and self-awareness as he grew physically.

Help us grow in your wisdom.  Give us a thirst to know your word thoroughly and to let it become rooted in our hearts.  Enable us to develop a deep consciousness that we are your children and a deep desire to live every moment in awareness of your presence and your call upon our lives.

We seek You with joy because You have sought and found us first.  Amen.

Prayer for December 23-29, 2012 

Sermon Text: Luke 1:39-55

That every moment of our lives may be a moment of praise

O that every fiber of our being would be attuned to your presence among us, God our Savior!  O that our response to your presence would be blessing, thanksgiving and praise!

We bless You for Mary who welcomed your presence and offered herself as your servant.  We bless You for the child who leaped in Elizabeth’s womb.  We bless You for the sensitivity and boldness given to Elizabeth by your Holy Spirit, and for the words of blessing that poured from her mouth.  We bless You for Mary’s prophetic song about your great transforming work on behalf of your people.

We rejoice, God of all creation, that You were at work in Mary and Elizabeth and their unborn children, and that You are at work, now, to put creation right—to remember and raise up and satisfy those who have been oppressed, to transform human systems into sources of your blessing.

God, we rejoice that the Coming One, Jesus, has come, and has drawn us to you, and has transformed our lives.  May every moment of our lives be a moment of praise!  Amen.

December 16-22, 2012 (Luke 3:7-18)

That our lives may produce inviting fruit

God our maker, make us fruitful!  Let your Spirit move in and through us so that our character and action are consistent with the faith we claim.

Let works of generosity, justice, and love flow from our lives in obedience to your call upon us and in gratitude for your forgiveness and transforming work in our lives.

When our commitment to You wanes or when our actions deny the faith we claim, send your prophets to us to call us back to you and to pull us back into the flow of your renewing love and into the path of obedience.

Let the good news of your great love for us and the salvation you have offered to us produce inviting fruit that draws others to You.  Amen.

Prayer for December 9-15, 2012 

Sermon Text: Luke 3:1-6

That we may smooth the way for Christ’s coming to those who do not know him

God our Sovereign, we rejoice that your foolishness is greater than human wisdom.  We rejoice that You are not limited by the aspirations and intentions of political and religious leaders, but are able to work among us to bring new life even when we are not looking for it.

You who call us to be your own people, we are surprised by and rejoice in your ability to call forth new, prophetic leadership that challenges us and enables us to envision Christ’s continuing work of salvation among us.

Forgive us when we are not alert for your presence.  Forgive us when we do not care enough to prepare for your coming among us.

Give us the energy and insight necessary to smooth and straighten the paths by which Christ approaches to bring salvation to many who do not yet know him.

We rejoice that You have come among us in Jesus Christ.  We rejoice that You are still coming among us through your Word and by your Spirit.  We await Christ’s return in glory with hope and gladness.  Amen.

Prayer for December 2-8, 2012 

Sermon Text: Luke 21:25-36

That we may be alert for your presence in the world

God of all creation, we await the return of Jesus with joyful anticipation.  We rejoice that the day will come when we will see You face to face and live with You forever.

Give us wisdom to interpret the signs that we see in the world around us.  But don’t let us get bogged down in the search for signs or in futile predictions about Jesus’ return.

Instead, let the awareness You give us keep us alert for your presence and activity in the world now.  Keep us doing the work of neighbor love that you have commanded.  Keep us telling the good news of the salvation You offer through Jesus Christ—the abundant life of peace and joy that You intend for us.  Keep us pursuing your justice for those who have been pushed aside, cast down, and trampled.  Help us rouse each other for courageous faithfulness.

Forgive us when we become careless of your presence or full of anxiety that paralyzes us and undermines our trust in You. 

By your Spirit, enable us to watch and pray.  Strengthen us so we may stand with confidence when Jesus returns and thank and praise You in deep gratitude and joy.  Amen.