Prayer

God our Father, we celebrate at this season the beginning of our salvation. On this Feast of Mary, the Mother of God, we ask that our Salvation will be brought to its fulfillment. We ask this through Christ our Lord.Amen

A Christmas Prayer for Peace

Holy Spirit, you watch so lovingly over all the earth, waiting for us to open our hearts to your gift of Christmas peace. We need your peace, Holy Spirit, and our wounded world needs your healing presence. Only you can give us the true and lasting peace promised by our Savior, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Come to us, Blessed Creator, surround us with your love this Christmas season and bless all nations with your peace. Amen

Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55)

My Soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant girl. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the mighty one has done great things for me, and holy is His name. God's mercy is from generation to generation for those who fear him. God has shown might with his arm; he has confused the arrogant in the conceit of their hearts. God has pulled down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; God has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. God has come to the help of his servant Israel, remembering his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.

3rd Sunday of Advent

Lord Jesus, stir up my heart this Advent with a lively desire for your coming. Though I am tempted to settle for the illusions of happiness, strengthen me to seek the real thing in you. Amid the sometimes frantic pace of preparation for Christmas, give me a joyful sense of your presence. When I am faced with the darkness of suffering and death, remind me that you were born because we desperately needed a Savior and that we have your promise of eternal life.

Amen

2nd Sunday of Advent

Light of the world, enter the darkness of our hearts and renew us in faith, hope, and love. As we prepare to celebrate the great mystery of the incarnation, help us to see your presence in the world, especially in the needs of the poor. Strengthen us to become true peacemakers able to love our enemies and forgive those who have offended us. Lead us to acknowledge our own sinfulness, accept your mercy and extend your healing love to those around us.

Amen

1st Sunday of Advent

Creator God, your church unites in this Advent season to pray in joy-filled hope for the coming of the Lord. Acknowledging our continuing need for a Savior whose power can defeat sin and death, we rejoice in your saving love for us. Help us to open our hearts to receive all that you want to give us. May we make a new home in our hearts for Christ so that we may better serve others for love's sake.

Amen