Liturgy Bits for NL314 – Joel: God’s Promised Spirit

For more resources for this Sunday, please visit lectionary.wiki.

Prayer of the Day

During Advent 2024, Ascension is using the Advent candle lighting liturgy provided by Hope Publishing for Christ, Be Our Light (ELW 715), and our Prayer of the Day will be the prayer provided therein.

God of mercy and compassion, scripture says that if we draw near to you, you will draw near to us. In a shadowy world where human weakness and weariness reside, we ask for you to draw
near and dispel the darkness around us. May the light of this season illuminate our hope, strength, and steadfast endurance as we await the coming Savior. We pray this in the name of
Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

Prayers of the Church (traditional)

Ascension is using the prayers provided by Clergy Stuff in 2020-21, adapted and updated.

Living in the hope of God’s promised spirit, we pray for the church, the world, and all those in need.

A brief silence.

In the season of tinsel and twinkling lights, grant us a deeper joy that endures throughout these days, the burning promise of our coming savior. God of hope,
hear our prayer.

Use us to minister to those in need, providing for their lack without seeking recognition or thanks, but only the fulfillment of recognizing our connection with all of your children. God of hope,
hear our prayer.

The earth is forgiving, even as its creator is, renewing what has been depleted and repairing what has been damaged. Make us partners in the recovery of this planet from the ravages of our abuse and neglect, and accept our repentance for all that we have done. God of hope,
hear our prayer.

When we lose our visions, we are tempted to give in to despair. Rekindle your light within those who have given up, and work through us to reach out to the lonely, sad and discouraged. Send your healing spirit to all those who need it. We pray especially for those from our community who are receiving hospice care: **insert names here**. For what and for whom else do the people of God pray?
God of hope,
hear our prayer.

With all your faithful saints, we join our voices with the heavenly chorus praising the One who delivers and delights our hearts with the promise of eternal life. God of hope,
hear our prayer.

Our eyes await the fulfillment of all your promises, the answer to all our prayers: your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Prayers of the People (contemporary)

Influenced by the Prayers of the Church above, with thematic elements drawn from the Advent candle lighting liturgy as linked above.

Let us pray.

God for whom we wait, we come to you in prayer for the church, the world, and all of your creation.

In this time of year when so much is demanded of us – gift giving, party planning, family get-togethers, and so much more – help us to know that we don’t have to do everything the world wants us to do to create a memorable season. Help us to fix our eyes on your son who came to deliver us all.

As the year grows colder, we pray for our neighbors without adequate shelter. When we’re tempted to look past them, remind us that we could easily be in their place. They are your children, too. Open our hearts to serve all your children.

God, we have not been good keepers of the earth. Make us better stewards of this planet, and forgive us for the damage we have caused to your creation.

We pray for the tired, worn out, and burdened. Fill them to overflowing with your love and peace. We pray especially for those from our community who are receiving hospice care: **insert names here**. For what and for whom else do the people of God pray?

Empowered by the Holy Spirit and trusting in your mercy, we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, your Son and our Savior.
Amen.