Praying Together 2021

223 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 love of Christ be with you! And with your spirit. COLLECT Stories about the good bishop Saint Nicholas and his generosity gave us Santa Claus. Let us pray that we will think of others at Christmas time. (pause) God of love, take away our selfishness and make us truly grateful for what we receive. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the first letter of Peter 4:7-10 Brothers and sisters: Be serious and be sensible enough to pray. Most important of all, you must sincerely love each other, because love wipes away many sins. Welcome people into your home and don't grumble about it. Each of you has been blessed with one of God's many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. RESPONSE Rejoicing in the generous love of God, let us pray for the needs of the world. For wisdom to use the gifts God has given us: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For love and joy in our families this Christmas: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For glad hearts that give generously to others: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For true gratitude for all that we receive: (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 generosity of God inspire us. 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. Monday Week 2 Advent 6 December 2021 “Use your gift well.”