Our gracious, eternal God, we come before you today with gratitude.
Grant that we may also find within us the spirit of rejoicing.
Help us with Paul to “…rejoice in the Lord always.”
Walk with us though this advent season,
transforming the thinking of our minds
so that we might reflect the joy in the good news of the gospel.
You have made us new people.
In our behaviors may we demonstrate hope and triumph.
Release us from all negativity and defeatism
and give us victory
over all the principalities and power of earth.
We ask your care for our fragile world, O Prince of Peace.
Grant to all peoples the vision of a world made new.
Grant us the will to work for peace
and to find alternative ways of resolving
national and international conflict.
Grant to all people the will to refuse to take up arms
and go to war.
Lead us in the ways of peace, O Prince of Peace.
Amen.
Richard J. Einerson, minister in the United Churches of Christ
Prayers of the People (slightly modified)
_________________
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.
prayer & verse 