Monday, December 18, 2023

Pastoral Prayer (Dec. 17/Advent) Beulah UMC & Oak Grove UMC

December 17/Advent, 2023
Sunday Pastoral Prayer


On this day that we light the candle of joy, we thank you, O God for the music of this Advent season that points us to the coming of Christ into the world. 

 

Thank you for musicians, choirs, our soloists who join the angels from the realms of glory in calling upon us to come and worship Christ, the newborn king. Thank you for Christmas carolers, for Advent hymns, for the ringing of Christmas bells, and for the shepherds at the manger who returned to their fields rejoicing and praising you for the good news of Christ’s birth. 

 

O God, thank you for the Advent candle of joy that shines brightly just when we need it the most. May your Advent joy shine brightly upon each one of us as we continue to prepare our hearts for the wonder of Christ’s birth. May this candle shine brightly upon those facing medical challenges and in need of healing, those who who have heavy hearts, especially during this time of year when so many memories of loved ones flood our souls.

 

Whenever we are feeling tired, worried, anxious, broken, or afraid, remind us of these candles around our Advent Wreath; the candle of hope for better days, the candle of love for loving us unconditionally, and the candle of joy that leads us to sing and rejoice because you are our Emmanuel, our God who is always with us. 

 

We pray this in the name of the One who is to come, who will come, and who promises to come again, Christ Jesus, our Lord who taught us to pray together… 

 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

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