Praying Together 2021

231 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 peace of Christ be with you! And with your spirit. COLLECT As the year draws to a close, let us give thanks for the blessings we have received. (pause) Father, we thank you for all the good things you have given us this year, but especially for the gift of your Son, Jesus. Protect us during the holidays and keep us joyful in spirit. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 2:4-7 Mary was engaged to Joseph and travelled with him to Bethlehem. She was soon going to have a baby, and while they were there, she gave birth to her first-born Son. She dressed him in baby clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. RESPONSE Rejoicing in the presence of God among us, let us pray for the needs of the world. For women who are expecting a new baby: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For joyful hearts to welcome Jesus this Christmas: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For all who are separated from their loved ones: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For a safe and peaceful holiday time: (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 Lord look upon us with kindness and give us peace. 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. Thursday Week 3 Advent 16 December 2021 “She gave birth to her first-born Son.”