‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight’ (Mark 1: 3) … a walk in the woods at Curraghchase, near Askeaton, Co Limerick (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2020)
Let us pray:
‘Mercy and truth are met together,
righteousness and peace have kissed each other;
Truth shall spring up from the earth’ (Psalm 85: 10-11):
Heavenly Father,
as we prepare for the coming of Christ
and to welcome the promises of the Kingdom,
we pray that truth shall spring up from the earth,
and guide the rulers and the nations.
We pray for all nations torn and divided by war and strife,
and we pray for all peacemakers,
and all who defend democracy and human rights.
Lord have mercy,
Lord have mercy.
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight’ (Mark 1: 3):
Lord Jesus Christ,
we pray for the Church,
that we may prepare for your coming:
In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer,
we pray this week for the Reformed Episcopal Church of Spain,
and Bishop Carlos López-Lozano.
In the Church of Ireland,
we give thanks for 30 years of women in ordained ministry,
we pray for this Diocese of Limerick, Killaloe and Ardfert
as we prepare to unite with the Diocese of Tuam, Killala and Achonry,
and we pray for our bishop, Bishop Kenneth Kearon,
and for Bishop Patrick Rooke.
In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we pray this week
for the victims of abuse
and all engaged in Safeguarding.
We pray for our own parishes and people and for ourselves …
Christ have mercy,
Christ have mercy.
‘The grass withers, the flower fades;
but the word of our God will stand for ever’ (Isaiah 40: 8)
Holy Spirit,
we pray for ourselves, for one another,
for those we love and those who love us,
and remember those who have brought love into our lives:
We give thanks for new life …
We pray for those in need and those who seek healing …
We pray for those who are sick or isolated,
at home or in hospital …
Sylvia … Alan … Margaret … Lorraine …
Ajay… Ena … Eileen … Simon … Ralph … Adam …
We pray for those we have offered to pray for …
and we pray for those who pray for us …
We pray for all who grieve and mourn at this time …
We remember and give thanks those who have died …
may their memories be a blessing to us …
Lord have mercy,
Lord have mercy.
A prayer from the Mothers’ Union for use during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence:
Loving Lord,
your care and love are ever present in our lives.
We pray for our brothers and sisters throughout the world
who live in situations of abuse and violence.
Give them hope in their hopelessness;
help them find strength in their weakness;
grant them freedom from their oppression;
transform their brokenness into wholeness;
and heal their wounds, visible and invisible.
Grant us all the courage and wisdom, grace and humility,
to act at all times with compassion and care.
And grant all who are harmed by abuse or coercion, peace through justice.
This we ask in Jesus name. Amen.
Merciful Father …
Lighting the second purple candle on the Advent Wreath … the second candle is a reminder of the Prophets (Photograph: Barbara Comerford)
Prayer at the Advent Wreath on Advent II (Second Purple Candle):
The first candle to light on the Advent Wreath last Sunday (Advent 1) was the first Purple Candle, recalling the Patriarchs and Matriarchs. The second purple candle this morning represents the Prophets.
The Anglican mission USPG (United Society Partners in the Gospel) suggests this prayer when lighting the second (purple) candle on the Advent Wreath:
The Prophets:
O God of history,
who has spoken through the prophets;
we pray for mothers in Ghana
who have learned to protect their children from cholera.
Bless those who bring life-saving knowledge
and bless families whose children are now healthy and full of life.
These prayers and intercessions were prepared for use on the Second Sunday of Advent (6 December 2020) at the Parish Eucharist in Saint Mary’s Church, Askeaton, Co Limerick, and Morning Prayer in Saint Brendan’s Church, Kilnaughtin (Tarbert), Co Kerry.
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