First Sunday of Advent — Bidding prayers
Introduction (by the Presider): Because God is faithful and loving, we bring forward our intentions with confidence.
- For all believers, that they may be found ready when the Lord comes in glory (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For our friends who find belief hard, that in this Year of Faith, God’s love may touch their hearts (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For those who live in fear, that they may find new courage in Christ (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For people burdend by addiction, that the liberation promised by the Lord may be theirs (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For those who suffer, in mind or body, that they may experience God’s healing power (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For all who have died (especially N & N), that they may have peace and rest in the Kingdom (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider): Lord, you are a true friend to those who revere you: be our support in all our needs, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen
• First published in 2006 by Veritas Publications, in Liturgy Preparation for 2007 (Year C), Resources for churches and schools, by Bernard Cotter
” I wait
with quickened hope
for crooked paths
to straighten,
with tough-soul’d
anguish
while blinded
keepers of the keys
shut out
God’s own.
(if such a thing
were possible).
I wait
and will not be
dismayed.
For tiny shoot
of Jesse tree
take root in me
to love,
transform,
give sight,
set free.” (Christine Schenck)
Soline, ” I wait and will not be dismayed ” Lord, graciously hear us.
To all my brothers and sisters in the community of God’s People who wait in silence or whose voices have been silenced, to all who stand in silent anger before us seeking a voice, seeking dignity, seeking to be seen, may I prayerfully refer to the remarkable late Sister Tea Bowman and the contribution she made in 1989 in this clip from “whispersintheloggia” of Friday November 30th.2012.
Advent 2012… the journey begins again. eventually we will return to our old Jersualems telling each other that yes, we met him on the way.May we rediscover this coming year for the Church the strength of the tenderness of Brother Jesus. yes, the journey begins again…
Thank you Tony for that clip of Tea Bowman:Very inspiring and beautiful singing. May your Advent journey be pregnant with hope.