"Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."
Jesus our Lord,
save us from our sins.
Come, protect us from all dangers
and lead us to salvation,
for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Daily Meditation
The lowly will ever find joy in the Lord,
and the poor rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
In the busiest of times, it is often difficult to realize
that our worst enemy is our own sinfulness.
When we do realize that, however, we can really beg God to save us.
Today, let's say the prayer Jesus gave us,
devoutly, and as a real Advent prayer.
Our Father, in heaven,
may your name be holy;
may your kingdom come;
may your will be done,
on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us today, your faithful bread for the journey.
Forgive us our sins,
the way we forgive the sins of others.
Don't let us be overcome by temptation,
but deliver us from all evil.
Intercessions
Through his Son, God the Father revealed his glory to
men and women. Therefore, let our joyful cry resound:
Lord, may your name be glorified.
Teach us, Lord, to love each other,
- as Christ loved us for God's glory.
Fill us with all joy and peace in faith,
- that we may walk in the hope and strength of the Holy Spirit.
Help all mankind, Lord, in your loving mercy,
- be near to those who seek you without knowing it.
You call and sanctify the elect,
- though we are sinners, crown us with eternal happiness.
Closing Prayer
Jesus, protector,
I long for your coming.
The promise of new light is there
if only I can believe.
Protect me from dangers
and lead me through the gloom and darkness
to the joy I so long to find in you.
Lift me from my lowly sins
and give me the promise of salvation
with no more shame,
only the light and saving grace of your love.
Let the ancient dream be fulfilled in you
and peace come to this life and world.
Amen.