"Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."
Lord,
hear the prayers of your people.
May we who celebrate the birth of your Son as man
Rejoice in the gift of eternal life when he comes in glory,
for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Daily Meditation
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.
With just days until Christmas, we listen to readings of joy
and fulfillment.
We imagine the incredible meeting of Mary and Elizabeth.
With growing anticipation, we let ourselves simply believe
that the Lord's many promises to us these weeks
will be fulfilled.
Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield,
For in him our hearts rejoice; in his holy name we trust. Ps. 33
Intercessions
To Jesus Christ our Lord, who came among us in his
mercy, let us constantly cry out with joy:
Come, Lord Jesus!
You came from the Father to take on our human nature,
- now set us free what was harmed in us by sin.
One day you will come again in glory to your chosen people,
- come to us today and help us sinners to recognize your
mercy and tender love.
We glory in praising you, Lord Jesus,
- come and bring us your salvation.
Through faith you lead us into light,
- may we reveal your justice through our deeds.
O Dawn of the East,
brightness of light eternal, and Sun of Justice;
Come, and enlighten those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death.
Closing Prayer
Loving God,
It is growing in my heart:
An awareness and gratitude of your constant love for me;
Like the sun rising in the East
to warm and comfort my life
and to bring new growth.
Thank you for these weeks of prayer.
In the spirit of the season
my waiting, my patience,
feels sacred.
Bless my heart with generosity
and make me ready to receive you.
Come, Lord Jesus! Come!
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.