Holy Spirit, fill the scriptures with life, that when warmed by your love, they rise and fill our hearts like bread fills our bodies. Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Lucus Levy Keppel, Trinity Presbyterian Church in Bixby, Okla.
Call to Confession for Advent, Narrative Lectionary year 4 and John 1
In Advent, we prepare for the coming of Christ,
full of grace and truth.
Trusting in God’s unfailing grace,
let us tell the truth about ourselves,
joining in our prayer of confession.
Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines, IA
Benediction for Advent, Narrative Lectionary year 4 and John 1
Rejoice! The Word takes on flesh
this season and wherever we live by the Spirit.
Go forth to share the good news of Christ’s coming
this day and forever,
in the name of the Father
and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines, IA
Prayers of the People for Advent
O Lord, you are coming to us,
and we wait with eager anticipation!
Our souls are standing on tiptoe,
trying to peer over the horizon
where the morning star is about to rise upon us.
We put our hope in your Word, O Lord,
that your Word might take on flesh among us once again
to reveal your mercy and steadfast love.
We wait, Eternal One,
and we cry out to you on behalf of those who have waited too long:
those who seek your healing,
those who seek your forgiveness,
those who seek your presence.
We wait for you,
for there is plenteous redemption with you,
and you redeem the sinful world according to your promise.
We wait for the coming Christ,
who prays with us as we say together:
The Lord’s Prayer
Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines, IA
Confession: work of your hand
You are the potter, and we are the clay, O God. Remind us yet again that we are the work of your hand, not the other way around. When we have insisted you act according to our rules, when we have closed our ears to your call, and warped your design, forgive us. Press and mold us anew, that we may better reflect your image. Give us courage to work not for ourselves, but for the coming of your kingdom that makes all things new. We pray in the name of the coming Christ. Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Teri Peterson
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