Prayers of the People for Advent

God of wonder and awe, as we watch for your signs in sun, moon and stars, we pray to you saying, “Stay with us while we wait.”

For the church that watches and waits for you; for those who seek, or lead or follow, that the path be made straight for your coming.
(The people add their prayers for the church, silently or aloud.)

God who has come and is coming again,
Stay with us while we wait.

For our nation as it seeks its own mind, that a spirit of mutual respect may inform and instruct those who share power with those they pledge to serve.
(The people add their prayers for the country and those in authority, silently or aloud.)

God who has come and is coming again,
Stay with us while we wait.

For the welfare of the whole world, that we might hold whatever is true and honorable, just or pure or pleasing in our hearts, joyfully living your vision for all of creation.
(The people add their prayers of intercession and thanksgiving for the whole world, silently or aloud.)

God who has come and is coming again,
Stay with us while we wait.

For this community, that our love may grow with knowledge and insight as we discern the gifts and the challenges of the community around us.
(The people add their prayers for the concerns and gifts of the local community, silently or aloud.)

God who has come and is coming again,
Stay with us while we wait.

For all who suffer, that we may share in their suffering, bless them as gifts, and honor their presence with us as we ask for your healing touch.
(The people add their prayers for those who suffer in body, mind or spirit, silently or aloud.)

God who has come and is coming again,
Stay with us while we wait.

For the special needs and concerns, hopes and thanksgivings of the community gathered here. (The people add their prayers silently or aloud.) Blessed are all who believe.

God who has come and is coming again,
Stay with us while we wait.

For those who have died. For the fullness of their joy in you, and their place in the company of heaven, that they too, may be present while we wait.
(The people add their prayers for those who have died, silently or aloud.)

God who has come and is coming again,
Light our way to you.

Presider:
Creator God,
We praise you for your love in coming to us.
Give us grace to accept the Christ who comes in your name,
and the courage to be Christ for others. Amen.

OR

We praise and thank you, Creator God,
for you have not left us alone.
Each year you come to us, Emmanuel.
God with us in a manger.
Each time you come to us in the broken bread and the cup we share.
In time or out of time you will be revealed
and we shall see you face to face. Amen.

Susanne Watson Epting has written these Advent prayers for all in the Diocese of Iowa, and beyond.

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