Opening Prayers/Prayers of Adoration on Listening
You Call, based on Isaiah 55
Holy One of Israel, of all
Your love is unfailing, steadfast, sure
You call
Your mouth opens wide
Your hand opens wide
Your storehouse opens wide
Your heart opens wide
You call
Come, Listen, Receive
We’re listening
We’re open
We need your gift of life
Holy One make us alive
You Call © 2021 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia, www.revlisad.com
God of grace who knows us intimately and wholly;
Who listens intently and persistently: We praise You.
You hear the prayers of our lips and our hearts.
You know our innermost thoughts and intentions.
And when we can’t pray, you even pray perfectly for us.
We’re amazed how well you know us and still love us,
that you want us to know you and want us near you.
Would that we should be so loving and gracious – with ourselves and others.
So wanting to be more like you and your Son, Jesus, we come acknowledging our sin, seeking your cleansing and forgiveness, as together we confess our sins saying …
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
God who is near at hand,
Draw us humbly into your present with the expectation you will listen and we will be heard. By the power of your Holy Spirit, soften our hearts, reminding us that we are your beloved. You are worthy of our worship, our love, and our devotion. Give us hearts and minds that are willing to offer a sacrifice of praise to your most holy name.
Through Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.
—Rachel Clark