Prayers: Advent Four
Loving God,
as we think of Mary preparing to set off on her journey to Bethlehem,
we thank you for her willingness to serve you and be the mother of your son.
Help us to join with her in magnifying you and rejoicing in your salvation.
As we near the end of Advent, prepare us for the joy of Christmas,
and open our hearts to be amazed again at the wonder of the coming of our Lord.
Help us to make space in the last-minute preparations for Christmas
and create stillness to hear anew the angels singing
the good news of our Saviour’s birth. Amen.
Lighting of the Candles (Set I)
Eternal God,
as we seek the dawning brightness
and the lengthening of days
we light a candle
to quicken our hearts and warm our frozen lives
so that he who took flesh in the womb of Mary
may find us eager to welcome him
and ready to embrace him, the Light of the world,
for he is Lord forever and ever. Amen.
Lighting of the Candles (Set II)
Hurry, Lord Jesus,
and come to us quickly:
fill our hearts with awe
at your coming into the world.
May the joy of Mary
fill the lives of everyone on earth.
Amen. (or Amen. Come, Lord Jesus)
God in Heaven,
you helped Mary and Joseph to understand their role
in the birth and upbringing of Jesus.
Help us to trust you, be humble,
and follow your will throughout our lives.
We ask this in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God in Heaven,
you helped Mary to understand that she was to be the Mother of our Saviour.
Help us to appreciate the glory and freedom that Jesus brings to our lives,
so that when Jesus comes again,we may be ready to greet him with great joy.
We ask this in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Collect 7
God our redeemer,
who prepared the Blessed Virgin Mary
to be the mother of your Son:
grant that, as she looked for his coming as our Saviour,
so we may be ready to greet him
when he comes again as our judge;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.