Prayer Celebration Directions

GATHERING SONG
Leader		We gather during this season of Advent to ask God's forgiveness for the wrongs we have done to others and to ourselves. We often hurt others and immediately regret it, but sometimes we are too proud to ask forgiveness because it means admitting that we were wrong. We pause today to think about the times we have hurt others and to ask God to help us make peace with them.
Reader		A reading from the book of the prophet Joel. (The reader reads Joel 2:12–19.)
		The word of the Lord.
All		Thanks be to God.
RESPONSE
Leader		Happy are those whom God pardons when they confess their faults to the Lord.
All		We seek your forgiveness, O God.
Leader		The Lord forgives our guilt when we pray to God with sincere hearts.
All		We seek your forgiveness, O God.
Leader		God shelters us and protects us from distress. God surrounds us in safety.
All		We seek your forgiveness, O God.
Reader		The Lord shows us the paths we are to follow. We will rejoice in the Lord with hearts that are glad. (Based on Psalm 32:1–2, 7–8)
All		We seek your forgiveness, O God.
READING
Reader		A reading from the Gospel of Luke. (The reader reads Luke 17:1–4.)
		The Gospel of the Lord.
All		Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
RESPONSE
Leader		God is infinite in mercy and forgiveness. Confident in God's goodness, we now sincerely ask God to forgive our sins. You are our hope; welcome us to forgiveness.
All		Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader		You are our courage; help us to live in love.
All		Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader		You are our mercy; make us signs of peace in the sight of all we meet.
All		Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader		Let each of us examines our hearts for the wrongs we have done. We ask God's forgiveness and think of ways we can make peace with those we have hurt.
(All are invited to pray silently during meditation music.)
Leader		Let us offer each other a sign of peace to show our willingness to make peace with others.
CLOSING SONG