Hold on to the Light: 2nd Week of Advent

An Affirmation

You look upon us with generosity

AND HAVE NEVER LET US DOWN.

You give us ears to hear your voice

AND YOUR WORDS REASSURE US.

You are without fault

AND YOUR TRUTHS POUR INTO OUR LIVES.

You provide for us new beginnings

AND ACCOMPANY US THROUGHOUT.

You create the possibility of a better world

AND YOU INVITE US TO BE PARTNERS IN BUILDING IT.

Inspired by verses from Psalm 85

Prayers for the world

The people cry out to you, O God,

FOR THEIR AGONY IS LONG AND HARD.

They live in a wilderness where hope has diminished and respite seems far off.

STRAIGHTEN THEIR PATHS THAT THEY MAY SEE THE WAY AHEAD.

They descend to the depths and the climb appears too great an ordeal.

LIFT THEM FROM THEIR DESPAIR THAT THEY MAY SEE ABOVE THE VALLEY.

They have become blind to your truths and are now lost on their journey.

GIVE THEM VISION AGAIN THAT THEY MAY KNOW YOUR PURPOSE.

They are fearful of the brevity of life and cling to transitory things.

SHOW THEM HEAVEN IN A FLOWER AND ETERNITY IN AN HOUR.

We long for you to come into our lives

THAT WE TOO MAY KNOW ALL THESE THINGS.

Our desire is that we may rest in your peace

AND KNOW THAT ALL IS WELL.  AMEN.

Inspired by Isaiah 40.1-11 and William Blake.