Prayers 12 19 2010
*Welcome on this Christmas Sunday! A Merry Christmas to you!
*If you still have not turn in your 2011 pledges, we encourage you to do so as one of the last 2010 things you do
*Christmas Eve Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols, Friday, Dec. 24, 7:30, reception afterward
*Next Sunday, Dec. 26, Day after Christmas, we will have all three regular services
*All-Church Leaders Kick-Off Event on Jan. 8, 8:30
*Educational Opportunities available: Perspectives Course and the Overview of OT, NT, and Theology taught by Dr. Chuck; all listed in your bulletins
*Thailand Mission Encounter to learn more about Lanna Coffee is less than 10 weeks away; if you are interested in coming to Thailand with a group of 7 thus far, please see me
Prayer Concerns
*Faye Wong in the hospital ICU with comatose conditions; heart stopped; very serious
Prayer of God’s People
For unto you is given this sign: Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary, hope of the world, is born. Let us pray.
Generous and compassionate God, speak to us in the ambiguities and open questions of our own lives, as you did to Joseph long ago. We sometimes find ourselves facing difficult questions, and wondering where you are leading us. We sometimes wonder where you are in the difficult questions of our lives. Deep at night we ponder on our beds, just like Joseph. Sometimes we may worry, or become absorbed in self-pity. We even become paralyzed by doubt and fear. But we need to look at the example of Joseph, who acted compassionately and sought to protect and care for Mary in a complicated situation.
We pray that you may guide us as you guided Joseph. Help us to understand the meaning and significance of our lives.
For those who dwell in darkness, on whom the light has never shone, whose struggles seem so great that your message, dear God, of hope and joy is not named or claimed, for those whose lives are a great weariness, that we may bear each other’s burdens and share each other’s sorrows and troubles, we lift all up to you, Lord for mercy and healing. Be with Faye Wong as she is very ill today. Grant her the calmness of your mercy and the comfort of your embrace. Be with David and their family as they pray and trust that life is always in the palm of your hands that we can look forward to in eternal life.
We are grateful for your gifts, and ask that in this season of giving, we may be generous and thoughtful. Guide us in the next few days, that we may focus our celebrations on the deepening of our faith and gratitude, the sharing of ourselves, our time and attention, and the matchless gift of your son, Jesus, in whose name we pray and who taught us to pray together, “Our Father…”
Offertory
A star is shining in our hearts—a light is beckoning. Come forward with your gifts for the one who reigns!
O God, just as you gave us a sign of your presence in the birth of Jesus, so accept our gifts and offerings as signs of our gratitude. You have led us by your Spirit to refuse evil and choose good, and we intend for these offerings to be put to a holy and compassionate use. Amen.
Benediction
May the God who sleeps over be with you, keep you and inspire everything you do in the name of the One who was, and is and is to come.
Go with joy, go with peace, go with love, that all may know and praise Jesus!
Amen! Merry Christmas!