Prayers for Sunday

Opening Prayer

O God, how long will your anger smoulder against the prayers of your people?

Restore us, O God; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.

We who worship you are increasingly becoming the scorn of our neighbors; those who worship other gods laugh among themselves.

Restore us, O God; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.

Let your hand be upon the one at your right hand, the one you made strong for yourself. Then we will never turn back from you; give us life, and we will call on your name.

Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.

We give thanks for a love that passes our human understanding, and we await once more the birth of God's enduring love this Christmas. Amen

Morning Prayer

We have heard Christmas carols booming throughout shopping malls and
supermarkets for so long that they have become part of the background noise of
the season. "The silly season" the media tells us - when partying and
holidays are the 'true' reason for the season.

O God, the Psalmist was right in asking how long will you be angry with your people - because we, in our weakness, get caught up so easily in the 'silliness' of this season. Our sense of wonder over the depth of your love for us becomes dulled. Our preoccupation with choosing suitable gifts and preparing acceptable food can make us quite unloving as Christmas draws nearer.

Forgive us, O God, when we have failed in word or deed to proclaim that the birth of Jesus is the wonderful and true reason for the Christmas season.

A time of silent confession

Rekindle our sense of wonder, O God, at your choosing to share our humanity by being born, as we all were, a vulnerable and helpless baby. Merciful God, as we watch and wait for your breaking into our world once more, in the person of Jesus, shape and reshape our priorities so that the gift we give which is most cherished will be our witness to your love in ways that are transforming, visible and lasting. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen

Prayers are taken from liturgies on line