Opening Prayers/Prayers of Adoration on Comfort

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

Almighty God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit:  

We ask Your blessing on the people in this place. 

May the despairing find hope—and proud be humbled. 

May the doubting find faith—and the anxious be encouraged. 

May the tempted find help—and the sorrowful find comfort. 

May the weary find rest—and the strong be renewed. 

May the lonely find a friend—and the cluttered find stillness. 

May the older one find consolation—and the younger be inspired. 

And may You find glory in our worship—and we find joy in You. 

Now, Lord: pour out Your Spirit of grace and love today 

as we together we worship You – this we pray 

to Your glory … and in your name.  Amen.  

Richard Herman

Prayer: You Are Near

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

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You are near © 2016 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia, www.revlisad.com