God is near
Lord, we heard that with our ears
help us to feel it in our hearts
May we rejoice in the presence of God
be glad as we spend time in the company of God
whom we gather at the seat of
God
who is our shield and protector
who keeps promises made from generation to generation
who includes us in God’s covenant of grace
revealed through Jesus Christ, God’s Son
our Saviour, Friend, Lord
who we worship in spirit and in truth
who we, with the Father and Holy Spirit, adore with all we have
for where would we be without the Lord?
For all our strength and courage
comes from the Lord
who calls us out from our weakness
so God’s glory can shine
as light shines in the darkness
never to be consumed
never to be overcome
never to be overwhelmed
[pause]
Encouraging One
Encourage us this day
encourage us as we continue our pilgrimage of life and faith
every longing to follow the way of Jesus
as we worship, may our prayers, our songs, our thoughts, be in accordance with that journey
[pause]
Christ Jesus
the journey through Advent is passing quickly
we are nearly at the stable
help us to pause and reflect before we rush in
help us to set aside all our troubles, worries and doubts
all our fears and anxieties
all which get in the way of truly welcoming you into our hearts and minds
all our sins in thought, word and deeds
that, when we burst into the stable on Christmas Day
we can be filled with the joy only you can bring
knowing you were given for us and all the world
Amen