Opening Prayers/Prayers of Adoration on God’s Voice

Lord God, we come to adore you. You are the ground of all that is. You hold us in being, and without you we could not be.

Before we were born, before time began, before the universe came into being, you were.

When time is finished, when the universe is no more, you will still be.

Nothing can take your power from you.

And in your presence we can only be silent before the mystery of your being, for no words of ours can do justice to your grandeur.

(A silence)

Yet you have spoken to us. Out of universal silence your living word has sprung.

You have spoken, and given form and beauty to the world.

You have spoken, and given purpose to human life.

You have spoken, and declared the forgiveness of our sin.

You have spoken, and freed us from the fear of death.

Lord Jesus Christ, divine Word, speak to us now.

Show us the beauty of life; unite us to the eternal purpose; remove our guilt; conquer the fear of death in our hearts.

Speak and let us hear, for your name’s sake.

Caryl Micklem, Ed., Contemporary Prayers for Public Worship, Erdmans Publishing Co, 1973.

Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness,  

send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. 

We who have so much to do  

seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day. 

We who are anxious over many things  

look forward to your coming among us. 

We who are blessed in so many ways  

long for the complete joy of your kingdom. 

We whose hearts are heavy  

seek the joy of your presence. 

We are your people,  

walking in darkness,  

yet seeking the light.  

To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!”  

Richard Herman with excerpts from Henri Nouwen