Advent Intercessions

Here’s a prayer of intercession for Advent from Fr. Rick Morley.  It draws on images from each of the Isaiah readings for Year A.

Prayers of the People

In the hushed anticipation of your coming, O Lord,
kindle in us the desire to remain awake;
that we might be ready for your coming, and eager to pray.

O God, in days to come
the mountain of your house will be established,
and your joy shall reign.
We pray for the church (especially…),
that you might teach us your ways and that we might walk in your paths.
Come Lord Jesus, and hear our prayer.

Out of Zion shall go forth instruction,
and you, O God, shall judge between the nations.
We pray for our nation, and all nations,
that your peace would be manifest in every corner of the earth.
Come Lord Jesus, and hear our prayer.

In your Kingdom, O Lord,
wolves lie down with lambs
and children play with serpents without fear.
We pray for the sick, the suffering,
and those in distress of any kind (especially…);
that you would heal all injuries, comfort all grief,
and settle all wrongs.
Come Lord Jesus, and hear our prayer.

In your Kingdom, O Lord,
even the wilderness and dry land are glad and rejoice.
We pray for those who rejoice this week
as they celebrate their birthday (especially… and anniversaries…);
that they might obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing might flee away.
Come Lord Jesus, and hear our prayer.

In the fulness of time, O God,
you sent your son, to be born of our sister Mary.
And his name was Emmanuel: God With Us.
We thank you for your Presence with us,
and we pray that you might be always present
with those whom we love but see no longer.
Come Lord Jesus, and hear our prayer.

Come among us O God, and hear our prayers;
so that when your Son Jesus comes among us
with great might, and in manger mild,
we might recognize his face and his voice,
and come to adore him. Amen.

~ written by Fr. Rick Morley, and posted on rick morley. http://www.rickmorley.com/archives/207