Congregational Prayer 12-3-23

Our Father,

During this advent season we thank you for sending us Jesus, who is the light of the world. He opened the eyes of the blind so that those in darkness may see. He was introduced to the world through a light in the sky, a star that those of the nations might follow and find the Christ. Jesus was light before the great bodies of light were created!

We thank you, Father, for sending and giving your Son, Jesus, to redeem all of creation. It not just our forgiveness that you secured, indeed that would not be enough in light of what sin has done to your creation. No, you sent Jesus to redeem the whole thing. Not just our souls, but our bodies. Not just our bodies but you secured a world, a new creation that our glorified bodies might be able to dwell in your presence.

That was the mission that you gave to your Son. And he accomplished it. He has done it! Jesus, his person and work, is the greatest gift ever given to sinful humanity.

Help us to perpetuate the gift of Jesus by inviting others to see his beauty and the light that he is. Help us to be the “salt” and “light” that he said his disciples should be. We thank you that you are with your people through the Holy Spirit who unites us to Jesus and all that he is. We pray for our growth and transformation as individuals and as a congregation. Help us to dig into your word.

Lord, as we continue to live in your light, we are still reminded that there is darkness in the world. There is great sin and corruption, even within ourselves. We pray that your kingdom of light continues to spread around the world.

WE pray for peace in the world in places like Ukraine and in Palestine. We know that only your gospel brings true peace and not just “cease fire” so we pray that your church mobilizes and rises up in those areas to meet the needs of the people both spiritually and physically.

We also bring our own prayers before you, knowing that you are a loving and merciful heavenly Father.

WE pray for Esther Campos and her upcoming surgery. We pray that you would guide the doctors in their work and that it would be successful.

We pray for Dan and Becky Young as they travel for kingdom work. We thank you that Dan was able to baptize his grandchild. We continue to pray for Dan’s eye condition and that it would be healed.

We continue to pray for Rob’s health. We thank you for the talent and love for music that you have given him and that he continues to glorify you through it.

We pray for Phoebe’s friend, Sandra Flores who is recovering from her surgery. May she heals well.

We pray for Grace’s sister, Wendy, who serves as a missionary to Albania with her family. Bless them as they return to the field to continue your work.

We continue to pray for our own discipleship here through the women’s Bible study and the upcoming Men’s Journey group. Continue to bless the work of The Crossing. Bless Gama and his family as they serve you in the growth and spread of your kingdom.

Be with us now as we prepare to hear your word and respond in faith through the meal that you gave your church as a sign and seal.

In Christ name, Amen.