Worship Prayers December 24

CENTERING PRAYER  Expectant God, Mary sings because she has new life in her, the promise of your salvation.  Fill me with hope this day as I lift my life to you and seek to do your will.  Look with favor on our world and all who are in need, that your love may be magnified as I follow humbly in your way.  Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                                   

AND LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH                                                     

Reader 1    Last Sunday we lit the candle of Hope, remembering the hope which comes in Christ, the candle of Peace, remembering God’s dream of a peaceful world, and the candle of Joy, remembering the Spirit within us who brings joy.).  Today we light the fourth candle of Advent, the candle of Love.

Reader 2    Scripture tells us “There is no fear in love, for perfect love casts out fear.”  God created    this world in love and this world will end in the love of God.  God’s love pervades all aspects of this life.  From birth to death, pain to delight, strangers to lovers, God’s love is there.  We light this candle remembering that God is Love.  Let us pray.

All             Merciful God, we give thanks that you send messengers to call us to greater faith. Lead us to lives of prayer and acts of holy compassion.  Teach us your ways of love and grace that we might touch others in your holy name.  Amen

                                                                                                                   

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Faithful God, we know that you are always there to guide us, yet we often make plans without listening to you and discover that our human agendas can drown out our ability to hear your will for us.  We repent of these faults and turn to you in love.  Forgive our offenses and pardon our sins, that our lives may magnify your holy name forever.  We continue to pray in Jesus' name. (Silent Confession)

  

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (Apostles’ Creed)

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.  I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.  Amen.

SCRIPTURE                                                                             Luke 1:26-38