Praying Together 2021

222 Gather Light a candle as a sign of God’s presence and sit quietly. Ring a bell or chime to start the prayer. May the grace and peace of God be with you! And with your spirit. COLLECT Saint Francis Xavier was a Jesuit missionary who brought the Good News as far as Asia. Let us pray for the Christian communities where he first preached the Gospel. (pause) God of all nations, bless the Christian communities of India and Asia with the zeal of Saint Francis Xavier. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 3:3-6 John went along the Jordan Valley, telling the people, “Turn back to God and be baptised! Then your sins will be forgiven.” Isaiah the prophet wrote about John when he said, “In the desert someone is shouting, ‘Get the road ready for the Lord! Make a straight path for him! Fill up every valley and level every mountain and hill. Straighten the crooked paths and smooth out the rough roads. Then everyone will see the saving power of God.’” The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. RESPONSE Knowing that our God is near, let us pray for the world in which we live. For those who teach others how to follow Jesus: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For courage to turn to God who forgives us: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For our own willingness to forgive others: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For respect and cooperation in our community: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For the prayers in our hearts today: (pause while students offer their prayers aloud) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. DISMISSAL May the peace of Christ guide our way. Amen. May God bless us in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Ring the bell or chime to signal the end of the prayer. Extinguish the candle. Friday St Francis Xavier 3 December 2021 “Get the road ready for the Lord!"