Heavenly Father, today, just as we hear John preach the Good News, let us, too, preach the Good News to those around us. Help us to prepare ourselves and others for your son’s great coming. Hear the prayers we bring before you.
We pray as we are asked “What is the use of having a full bank account, a comfortable home, unreal virtual relationships, if our hearts remain cold, empty, and closed? What is the use of achieving great financial growth in privileged countries if half the world is starving or ravaged by war, and the others look on with indifference?”. Help us to recognise how we can each make a difference to the world.
We pray for those that do not have enough. Enough food, warmth, shelter and love. May those that do not have enough feel the love of God within them. May they seek what they need to thrive and may others help and recognise their plight.
We pray for those that are lonely and isolated. As the busyness of Advent fills our homes and diaries with shared time in the company of our loved ones and friends, let us remember those that feel abandoned. Those that are unseen, unheard and alone in our communities. Let us embrace them and bring them into our Christian hearts and homes.
We pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Let this Advent bring us closer to the infant Jesus and may his birth bring about a newness in each of us.
We pray for all those that are feeling unwell, waiting for treatment, needing medical reassurance. May the Holy Spirit soothe their weary bodies and calm their troubled minds.
As bad weather continues to affect our travel, homes and livelihoods, we pray for those that are suffering due to storm damage and destruction.
This Advent, we pray for a moment for our own personal petitions…
Father, let us feel you walking beside us this Advent. Help us to renew ourselves in joyful hope at the coming of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.