Praying Together 2021

227 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 We give thanks for the people who bring God’s word to life in our lives. (pause) God our Creator, fill us with the spirit of the gospel and strengthen us to spread the good news of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 3:16, 18 John said, “I am just baptising with water. But someone more powerful is going to come, and I am not good enough even to untie his sandals. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” In many different ways John preached the good news to the people. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. RESPONSE Looking forward to the coming of the kingdom of God, let us pray for God’s people. For those who strive for peace in the world: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For those seeking peace and rest: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For joy and enthusiasm in living the gospel: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For the safety of those who are travelling: (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 Christ smile graciously upon 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. Friday Week 2 Advent 10 December 2021 “He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”