Prayer Celebration Directions

GATHERING SONG
Leader		We gather during this Advent season to reflect upon God's call to us to be humble. We ask God to help us humble our hearts and seek to do what is right in the eyes of God, our heavenly Father.
READING
Reader		A reading from the Book of Micah. (The reader reads Micah 6:1–8.)
		The word of the Lord.
All		Thanks be to God.
RESPONSE
Leader		Let us pray Psalm 51 together.
Group 1		Have mercy on us, O God. In your compassion, remove our sins.
Group 2		Wash away our guilt and cleanse us of our sin.
Group 1		O God, you love us when our hearts are true. You give us wisdom deep within.
Group 2		Cleanse and make our hearts humble, so we may know your joy.
Group 1		Turn us away from our sins, and remove our guilt.
Group 2		Create clean hearts in us and make our spirits faithful.
Group 1		Do not send us away, do not take away your love.
Group 2		Restore our saving joy and strengthen our willing spirits.
Group 1		Then we will teach others your ways and many shall return to you.
Group 2		Give us the words, O God, and we shall sing your praise.
All		Amen.
Leader		The prophet Micah reminds us that God calls us to do what is right, to love goodness, and to walk humbly with God. We now listen to some reflections on those words.
(Participants share reflections on the reading from Micah.)
Leader		Quietly now, spend a few moments in an examination of conscience.
(Reflect silently during the meditation music.)
Leader		God, you have taught us what is good and what you require of us. Sometimes it is hard to humble our hearts and admit that we have sinned and need your forgiveness. Help each of us during this season of Advent to walk humbly with you.
All		Amen.
CLOSING SONG