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| Going down a dark road: can you name it? |
As we set out into Advent,/ forgive the nation's polarization/ and what we say or do that excludes or labels others unfairly./ Heal the dark animosity that has been emboldened./ We pray to the Lord.
As we prepare for Christmas and the Birth of God's Child,/ bless us with all that "new birth" signifies:/ trust,/ hope/ and a renewed sense of belonging./ We pray to the Lord.
Give us generous hearts/ as we become aware of those for whom wintertime means suffering:/ those without shelter,/ or who work outdoors,/ or have insufficient food,/ heat,/ clothing or companionship./ We pray to the Lord.
Bless us with patience,/ safety and gratitude/ in this season of holiday traveling,/ and homes that are welcoming and sober./ We pray to the Lord.
As Christians will celebrate Christmas,/ the Jewish people will celebrate Hanukkah/ their own festival of light./ Dispel the darkness of destruction and violence that can emanate from a human heart./ Bless us with a time of peace./ We pray to the Lord.
We ask gifts of healing for those who are sick or frail/ and the blessings of strength and patient good-will for care providers and family./ Grant that our hope would remain intact./ We pray to the Lord.
As we begin a new liturgical year,/ and trusting you leave no one in darkness,/we pray for those who have died since last Advent./ We pray to the Lord.
As we prepare for Christmas and the Birth of God's Child,/ bless us with all that "new birth" signifies:/ trust,/ hope/ and a renewed sense of belonging./ We pray to the Lord.
Give us generous hearts/ as we become aware of those for whom wintertime means suffering:/ those without shelter,/ or who work outdoors,/ or have insufficient food,/ heat,/ clothing or companionship./ We pray to the Lord.
Bless us with patience,/ safety and gratitude/ in this season of holiday traveling,/ and homes that are welcoming and sober./ We pray to the Lord.
As Christians will celebrate Christmas,/ the Jewish people will celebrate Hanukkah/ their own festival of light./ Dispel the darkness of destruction and violence that can emanate from a human heart./ Bless us with a time of peace./ We pray to the Lord.
We ask gifts of healing for those who are sick or frail/ and the blessings of strength and patient good-will for care providers and family./ Grant that our hope would remain intact./ We pray to the Lord.
As we begin a new liturgical year,/ and trusting you leave no one in darkness,/we pray for those who have died since last Advent./ We pray to the Lord.
