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Joseph's Dream / Gandolfi, Gaetano, 1734-1802 / 1790 (Click the picture for more information)
Reproduced from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers copyright © 2002 Consultation on Common Texts admin. Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. A complete edition of the prayers is available though Augsburg Fortress [link].
  • Thematic
  • O God of Elizabeth and Mary,
    you visited your servants with news of the world's redemption
    in the coming of the Savior.
    Make our hearts leap with joy,
    and fill our mouths with songs of praise,
    that we may announce glad tidings of peace,
    and welcome the Christ in our midst. Amen.
  • Intercessory
  • Brothers and sisters,
    as we joyfully await the glorious coming of the Christ,
    let us pray for the needs of the church, our community, and the world.

    Prayers of the People, concluding with:

    God of promise,
    you have given us a sign of your love
    through the gift of Jesus Christ, our Savior,
    who was promised from ages past.
    We believe as Joseph did
    the message of your presence
    whispered by an angel,
    and offer our prayers for your world,
    confident of your care and mercy for all creation. Amen.
  • Scripture
  • Shepherd of Israel,
    may Jesus, Emmanuel and son of Mary,
    be more than just a dream in our hearts.
    With the apostles, prophets, and saints,
    save us, restore us,
    and lead us in the way of grace and peace,
    that we may bear your promise into the world. Amen.