Saturday Prayers: December 16th – 17th 2017
Third Sunday of Advent – The Sunday of Joy
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good tidings to the afflicted. Isaiah 61.1
Look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of God. Hebrews 12. 2
God of power and mercy, you call us once again to celebrate the coming of your Son. Remove those things which hinder love of you, that when he comes, he may find us waiting in awe and wonder for him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem: may they prosper that love you.
Joy shall come even in the wilderness, and the parched land shall then know great gladness. In the desert streams shall flow; living springs shall give cool water. (Israeli traditional song)
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; may they prosper that love you.
The Advent Intercession: In joyful expectation let us pray to our Saviour and Redeemer, Lord Jesus, come soon! O wisdom, from the mouth of the Most High, you reign over all things to the ends of the earth: come and teach us how to live. Lord Jesus, come soon! O Lord, and head of the house of Israel, you appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush and gave the law on Sinai: come with outstretched arms and ransom us. Lord Jesus, come soon!
O Branch of Jesse, standing as a sign among the nations, all kings will keep silence before you and all peoples will summon you to their aid: come, set us free and delay no more. Lord Jesus, come soon! O Key of David and sceptre of the house of Israel, you open and none can shut, you shut and none can open, come and free the captives from prison. Lord Jesus, come soon! O Morning Star, splendour of the light eternal and bright Sun of righteousness, come and enlighten all who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death. Lord Jesus, come soon! O Emmanuel, hope of the nations and their Saviour; come and save us, Lord our God. Lord Jesus, come soon!
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: may they prosper that love you.
Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed kindle we pray in the hearts and minds of all people a true love of your peace. Guide with your wisdom the nations of the earth that peace may be within all people and your true love abound in all the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: may they prosper that love you.
Blessings,
nnDnn Archdeacon Ron Matthewman, Vicar General Emeritus
OSMTH-I
