A

Prayer

for

November 2003

Advent

O God, you were our help in ages past; you are our hope for years to come.

At the beginning of a new Christian year, we come to you once again with adoration and thanksgiving, because you have come to us with seeking love through Moses and the prophets and supremely in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, that we may meet the challenges of the future in the spirit of him who came to us as a little child, but grew up to be a man with a divine mission.

We recall with grateful hearts his sublime teachings, his miracles of healing, and the unique miracle of his victory over death. With the assurance of his resurrection, we also celebrate during this holy season the promise of his return in glory, his Second Advent.

Because he came to us, loved us, lived for us, died for us, rose for us, we pray that you, O Lord, will keep us faithful to him in both life and death. Help us to learn from him how to live your way regardless of what people may say about us or do to us.

Let our faith in him so shine from us that others may be intrigued, start asking questions, and, by your grace, discover the answer to their quest in him, in whom alone life finds its full meaning.

Lord of the nations, whose Son we hail as Prince of Peace: Help us to be more skillful, more useful, in the cause of peace. Let our breadth of mind, mutual forbearance, and acceptance of all kinds of people as your children serve as a model of reconciling community. Encourage us to join with others of like mind to be peacemakers in building bridges between rich and poor, between black, red, yellow, and white, between native and immigrant.

Help us to keep in mind that the same Jesus who came to us on the first Christmas, and who promised to come back in your own appointed time, is also with us now. He is with us at all times, encouraging us as agents of his mercy and heralds of his justice, expecting us to be builders of bridges in response to his love for us and for all your children.

We offer this prayer, with thanksgiving, in his powerful and blessed name. Amen.

If you have questions or comments, email Tony Grant

Last Modified: 8/18/03