Prayers of the People
November 27, 2016

As we gather for prayer, let us be thankful as Advent is a joyful season, a time of anticipation where we celebrate God’s fulfillment of His promise. As we await the coming of our Savior in mercy and majesty, let us pray to his Father for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need beginning with a moment to center our minds and lift our prayers.

Loving God, we thank and praise You for Your love for us. Draw us together, all people of New Beginnings Church to recognize your call to be in relationship with you and the world. Regardless of our age, background or abilities, guide us to serve you daily to until our last day. Let Your love make us new every day so that our words and actions reflect Your love and will be words and actions that point others to You. Lord in Your Mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord God, instruct those who take counsel for the nations. Make them eager to seek your will; and give them strength to do it. Grant a double portion of your Spirit to this nation’s leaders. Teach them to work together for the common good; to put the best, not the worst, construction on the words and deeds of those with whom they disagree; and to remember that they must give an account of their stewardship of authority, wealth, and responsibility to you, the King of creation. Lord in Your Mercy, hear our prayer.

Loving God, the world we live in is a world of chaos, turmoil, and warfare. Assure us that One Day you bring peace through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Let us live in that hope, and empower us with Your love to be peacemakers. We give you thanks for the men and women who have served and defended our country and the values of freedom and justice we hold so dear. Help us be mindful of the sacrifices they made and the hardship endured by their families and friends, so that we never take for granted the privileges they have secured for us. Lord in Your Mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord God, we pray for all who are persecuted on account of naming Jesus as Lord. Guide them and provide them with Your word of truth and forgiveness, so that their tormentors may repent and be saved. Bring healing and hope to all whose need is great. Deliver them from everything that darkens their lives; and restore them to full fellowship with all who love them. Give patience, gentleness, and respite to caregivers; and shine the light of your love upon us all. Lord in Your Mercy, hear our prayer.

Loving God, raise from the shadows of death all who have fallen asleep in you. Help us to comfort those whose hearts are heavy in this season of feasting and joy. Give us grace to be children of the day, filled with the light of your love. Use our words and deeds so that many may take heart, trust you, and steadfastly watch for the coming of Christ, until he returns in glory to lead all the redeemed into your welcoming embrace.

Lord God, ruler of all, we do not know the day nor hour of Your return, but keep us in anticipation and excitement as we wait, trusting in You to redeem Your people and to set all things right. Keep us ready! In Jesus we pray. Amen.