Prayers 12 13 98
Call to Worship
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:2,6
Invocation
O Mighty God, we rejoice that the message of joy and peace on earth is upon us today. Our spirits turn at this season to the hope that once again you dwell among us in grace and love. Touch our hearts with the joy of Christmas—giving and sharing the blessings that you have provided us. Gather our thoughts and soul to worship you in spirit and truth. In the name of Jesus, the joy to the world we pray. Amen.
Prayer of God’s People
Dear Father God of hope, love, and joy, whose mercy is from generation to generation, our spirits rejoice in who you are and in all that you have done for us. We celebrate the fellowship that we have this morning of the 9:00 Youth and Young Adult service and the 10:05 English Adult service joining together to praise you and to witness the service of baptism and the right hand of Christian fellowship. Unite our hearts in prayers and songs.
Thank you God for leading Allen, Viking, and Alvin to follow Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. May the service of baptism symbolize for them new life in Christ that will lead them to life-long discipleship. Continue to fill them with your love so that they will know you well as their Guide and Counselor. With excitement, we also celebrate the many new members who will be joining our fellowship today at the 11:15 service and particularly Keith Russell and Joy Ng. Bless each and every one of us as we serve you through this church.
Today we remember the life of Richard Wong and the many memories that we as church friends have had with him. During this time of sorrow and loss, comfort his wife and their family. Help them to know that in the resurrection of Jesus, we have life everlasting. We continue to pray earnestly for our friends and family members who are facing long-termed illnesses. Grant them encouragement and renewed purpose for life. Moreover, strengthen all of us and especially loved ones who are there to offer prayers and support to see these days through. O Father God, you are the God of life and all things are made possible with you.
We pray for your presence in our every day lives—when we are at school and college, where we are working after school and during weekends, when we are with our friends. There are moments when we feel so alone and there just doesn’t seem like anyone is there to talk to. Remind us that you are there when we are lonely. Lift us out of our worries about stuff that needs to get done and places to get to. Quiet us so that we can listen to your word for our lives. You are always guiding us and all we need to do is to listen and obey. Help us, Lord to do this.
Gracious God, our televisions, radios, and newspapers are filled with stories of deceptions and accusations by our national political leaders. The seemingly endless attacks upon each other reminds us of Jesus’ warning to us of who among us is sinless may cast the first stone. Where there is a need for confession and contrition, move their hearts to remorse seeking forgiveness. Where there is a need for understanding and reason, move their minds to enlightenment striving for the truth. Where there is a need for compassion and the recognition that we are all God’s children, move their souls to believe that it is only the grace and mercy from God that we are saved. Be with our leaders and with all of us in the upcoming days as decisions are made affecting our country’s future.
Surely dear God, it has always been true that you come when the world needs you the most. Open our hearts to the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace who taught us to pray together…
Our Father…
Offertory
Jesus said, “Freely you have received, freely give.
Offertory Prayer
Amazing God, what a joy to give! What a delight to join our efforts to your purposes. May our gifts be used to spread the message of joy in the world in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Benediction
God bless you and keep you.
God’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
God look upon you with love and joy and give you his peace. Amen.