Prayers for Illumination

Prayers for Illumination
Advent, Year B



The First Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 64:1-9; Mark 13:24-37

Holy One,

If you were to tear open the heavens and come down,
surely we would tremble at your presence.
Yet in this Advent season, we remember the night
you were born among us—how most of the world slept, unaware.
So open our eyes and ears, we pray, in this and every hour,
that we may receive the Word you give.
Help us to be alert and ready,
for you come to those who wait.
Amen.

Or:

God of power and glory,

Though we can never take hold of you,
make us the work of your hands, as a potter shapes the clay.
May we be vessels ever ready to receive your Word,
early or late.
By the power of your Holy Spirit,
may we gladly do what is right;
remember your ways;
and make your name known among the nations.
Amen.








The Second Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 40:1-11; Mark 1:1-8

Holy Spirit of God,

You prepare the way of the Lord
through the eloquence of Isaiah and the asceticism of John.
Though our own words wither set next to theirs,
the Word of our God will stand forever.
Help us to hear the tender good tidings
of God’s comfort and might;
how God feeds the flock, carries the lambs, and forgives sins.
Though unworthy, make us heralds, too,
sharing the good news
of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Amen.

Or:

Holy Comforter,

The good news of Jesus Christ begins in the waters of baptism.
We still come from many places to hear the Word proclaimed.
Prepare our hearts, as you once prepared the wilderness:
lift up our valleys,
make low the high mountain before us,
and make rough places plain,
that we may see your glory revealed.
Then, Spirit-sent, may we proclaim the good news
of the One who is coming.
Amen.










The Third Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; John 1:6-8, 19-28

Light of the World,
Shine on the oppressed,
the brokenhearted,
the captives,
and those whose spirits are faint.
Wind the garland of your Word around us
and we will be your witnesses;
we will testify to your glory
before all the powers of this world.
Amen.


The Fourth Sunday of Advent: 2 Samuel 7:1-11; Luke 1:26-38

Most High God of David,
God in the doorway of Mary,

Your Word is not as impossible as we imagine.
You, who will not be confined by the temples we build,
once grew in the contours of a womb.
Now let your word grow in us,
that by the power of your Holy Spirit,
we may respond unafraid according to your will.
Amen.














Christmas Eve: Isaiah 9:2-7; Luke 2:1-20

Wonderful Counselor,

We come to this night
with deep memories
and fresh hope.
After all these centuries,
we still walk in too much darkness.
So we pray this night to hear your heavenly promise
of peace on earth;
and to see your glory shine in our night.
There is so much for our hearts to ponder,
Emmanuel,
God-With-Us.
Amen.