Prayer Celebration Directions

GATHERING SONG
Leader		Long is our winter and dark is our night, Come set us free, O Saving Light. O Come and dwell among us, O Saving Light.
All		Amen.
READING
Reader 1		A reading from the book of Isaiah. (The reader reads Isaiah 35:1–10.)
		The Word of the Lord.
All		Thanks be to God.
RESPONSE
Leader		Let us pray together.
Group 1		I waited and waited for the Lord. Now, at last, God has heard my cry for help.
Group 2		The Lord has put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will put their trust in the Lord.
Group 1		Lord, do not keep your kindness from us. May your love and faithfulness keep us close to you.
Group 2		All who seek you will know joy and gladness. To all who long for your help, let us say, "God is great!"
Group 1		You are my helper, my savior, my God.
Group 2		Come, Lord. Do not delay. (Based on Psalm 40)
All		Amen.
EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE
Reader 2		We are preparing for Christmas, a time that celebrates peace. It is also time to ask, "Have I broken the peace by fighting or being unpleasant?"
All		Lord, forgive me.
Reader 3		Instead of being peaceful, do I sometimes shout and get angry with others to get my way?
All		Lord, forgive me.
Reader 2		When I meet someone who is different, do I ever refuse to be friendly?
All		Lord, forgive me.
Reader 3		Advent is a time of worship and prayer. Do I sometimes forget to set aside time to pray?
All		Lord, forgive me.
Reader 2		Christmas time is often lonely for some people. Do I think only of my wants as Christmas approaches?
All		Lord, forgive me.
CLOSING PRAYER
Leader		As we ask forgiveness from our loving God, let us remember these words: "If you forgive others their failings, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours. If you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive your failings either." (based on Matthew 6:14-15)
All		(All pray the Lord's Prayer together.)
CLOSING SONG