A Prayer for Advent

This morning I’ll be leading Bible Studies at two Assisted Living Centers.

We’ve been meeting together for almost four years, and I’ve learned more from them that I could ever have imagined.

We’ll begin using “A Prayer for Advent” today, from our United Methodist Hymnal.

It’s a regular part of who we are this time of year.

My hope and prayer is that you’ll join us in this today and over these next four weeks together:

Merciful God,

you sent your messengers the prophets

to preach repentance

and prepare the way for our salvation.

Give us grace to heed their warnings

and forsake our sins,

that we may celebrate aright

the commemoration of the nativity,

and may await with joy

the coming in glory of Jesus Christ our Redeemer;

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

One God, for ever and ever.  Amen.