Opening Prayers/Prayers of Adoration on Advent

Crowned and Coming

Inspired by 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Luke 146b-55; Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26

Eternal One,

We wonder and marvel at your constancy

You alone are steadfast

Unwavering across the ages

You, remembering, gathering a covenant people

You, remembering, fulfilling your covenant promises

You, patiently tending your family tree

You, remembering us

We remembering you and your greatness

Hallelujah to our Savior and King!

Crowned and Coming

Whose Kingdom knows no end.

O Merciful God, who came in Jesus Christ with saving power to a world that walked in darkness and in the shadow of death, we praise and bless you for all those your servants who helped prepare the way for his appearing, and for those who received him and gave to him the worship of their hearts and lives.

For prophets who in the face of tyranny declared your truth and your righteousness, for psalmists who in days of gloom still believed in your great goodness and sang praises unto your name, and for innumerable regular saints who waited in patience and unfailing hope for the manifestation of your glory, we raise to you our grateful praise.

Grant, we ask you, that we in this time may show forth your salvation. Help us to put away all untruthfulness and all selfishness and greed, all malice and prejudice and cowardice. Let your Holy Spirit cleanse us from all our sins, and teach us to love one another even as you dost love us, that we may make manifest in our lives what you can do for your faithful people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Ernest Fremont Tittle, Language modernized by Stuart Strachan Jr.

Gracious and faithful God

– our Creator, Redeemer and Comforter:

When we don’t know the way – You show us the way; and

When we can’t find a way – You make a way.

Thank you!

Thank you for Your gift of a Savior –

not a savior who stays distant and aloof,

but one who enters the warp and woof of our existence

as Emmanuel – God with us; and

who then sanctifies every place and time in which we live.

Richard Herman

Inspired by Matthew 1:18-25

Holy Comforter,

You are near when my dream dies.

You are near the brokenhearted.

Thanks be to you for a new dream and a future beyond my imagining.

Maker of Miracle,

You are near when I cannot see your will.

When a good choice, even a merciful choice, is not your choice.

Thanks be to you for correction and clarity.

Divine One,

You are near when I dismiss the holy.

When I say no to your call.

Thanks be to you for your patience, your persevering grace, and second chances.

O come, O come Emmanuel,

strengthen me with the promise of your steadfast presence and saving love,

set my heart and step to your righteousness end. Amen

Prayer: Crowned and Coming

Inspired by 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Luke 146b-55; Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26