Prayers of the People

God be with you,

And also with you.

Let us pray.

Wonderful Counselor, your saving wisdom is that of the mustard seed, of the yeast in the dough, of the distant star barely glimpsed between the thick clouds of night, the wisdom of a tiny infant born in a feed trough in a backwater town. Teach us and all who follow you to seek and to find this wisdom, to listen and hear your good counsel, your incarnate Word spoken into the midst of our lives in those small wonders and signs of your glory that we might otherwise overlook but which offer us your insight, your way, your very Self.  Inspire us with courage and boldness to offer ourselves generously in your service and in service to a wide, wounded world in sore need of small things done with great love.

God in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Mighty God, we lift to you all who are sick or struggling or in need of your healing grace this night particularly those we now name, silently or aloud. For Sally, Sherry, Aidan, Ben, Sam, Lexi, Charlotte, James, Chuck, Cheryl, and Griffin. Are there others?

Shine your great light on all who walk in darkness.  Illumine, transfigure, heal, and save.

God in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Everlasting Father, we pray to you for those who have died, especially Polly Kasey and those we now name silently or aloud. (Silence)  Receive them into the realms of unending day and enfold them in your eternal peace.

God in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Prince of Peace, in your perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under your banner, as children of one God.  Enkindle with the fire of that same Spirit the hearts of the leaders of the nations particularly our own leaders here in America and those in places of conflict - in Sudan, in Ukraine, in Venezuela - that we might, all of us, join in the heavenly chorus of peace and goodwill sung by the angels at your holy birth.  

O Jesus, the hopes and fears of all the years are met in you tonight.  We offer you all that we are able: to serve you, to care for all those who suffer and to strive for the peace you came to bring.   Give us only your love and your grace.  That is enough.

God in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus Christ, your birth at Bethlehem draws us to kneel in wonder at heaven touching earth: accept our heartfelt praise as we worship you, our savior and our eternal God.

         Common Worship

Amen.