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The Blind Man's Meal (detail) / Picasso, Pablo, 1881-1973 / 1903 (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
  • God of hope,
    you call us home from the exile of selfish oppression
    to the freedom of justice,
    the balm of healing,
    and the joy of sharing.
    Make us strong to join you in your holy work,
    as friends of strangers and victims,
    companions of those whom others shun,
    and as the happiness of those whose hearts are broken.
    We make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord.
    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 joy and exultation,
    you strengthen what is weak;
    you enrich the poor
    and give hope to those who live in fear.
    Look upon our needs this day.
    Make us grateful for the good news of salvation
    and keep us faithful in your service
    until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
    who lives for ever and ever. Amen.
  • Scripture
  • O God of Isaiah and John the Baptist,
    through all such faithful ones
    you proclaim the unfolding of future joy
    and renewed life.
    Strengthen our hearts to believe your advent promise
    that one day we will walk in the holy way of Christ,
    where sorrow and sighing will be no more
    and the journey of God's people will be joy. Amen.