Pastoral Prayer: John the Baptist

Here’s a pastoral prayer inspired by the ministry of John the Baptist (Matt 3:1-12, Mark 1:1-8). It  comes from the Literature & Liturgy website.

Prayers of the People
(inspired by Matthew 3:1-12, Mark 1:1-8)

God, when the time was ripe and the hour had come,
you sent your servant John into the wilderness
to proclaim the coming of the one true Messiah:
Make way! Repent and be baptized!
For the salvation of God is at hand.

John came to bear witness to the true light,
the Messiah, the Son of God.
And he told them, wake up!
Watch and wait,
for the hour is near when the Son of God will arise.

God, on this second Sunday of Advent
we have heard your servant crying out to us in the wilderness.
We have heard the call to repentance and restoration,
and we want to respond.
We have heard that you are offering forgiveness of sins,
and we want to hear your mercy spoken over us.
We have heard that you are baptizing with water,
and with the Holy Spirit and with fire:
cleanse us and make us new.
We have heard that you are ushering in a reign of peace,
and we want to see your kingdom when it comes.

God, our sins are many, but your mercy is great.
Our vision is dim, but your coming is at hand.
Our hope is feeble, but your promises stand forever.

God, your world stands in need of you.
Everywhere we look we see need of you:
for your coming, your restoration,
your peace, your transformation.

On this second Sunday of advent
we pray for the nations to know your truth and your light.
We pray for the poor, the hungry, and the needy.
We pray for those who are spiritually hungry and poor in spirit:
may they come to know the living water,
and to drink deeply from your well.
We pray for those who face Christmas alone,
or sick, or homeless, or destitute:
Jesus Christ, Light from true Light,
be a light in the darkness.

(Prayers of the people)

God, the hour of your coming again draws near.
Make us ready: in our hearts, in our minds, in our souls.
Lord Jesus Christ, come to us again this Advent.
Come and do not tarry.
Even so, come Lord Jesus! Amen.

~ posted on Literature & Liturgy. https://jesusscribbles.wordpress.com/