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Thursday 5 December 2013

a prayer for Advent 2a: prophets' voices



The voices of the prophets cry out:
‘Prepare!
Straighten the paths!
A new king shall arise!’

The voices of the prophets cry out:
‘Rejoice!
His reign will bring justice,
His reign will bring peace;
His reign will bring healing from hurt and harm.’

The voices of the prophets cry out:
‘Prepare!
Repent!
Be washed clean!
The king is coming:
Great and mighty is he.’
...  ... ...
In this Advent season of waiting and preparation
help us to straighten the paths of our lives:
when we have wandered from your path,
when we have meandered down myriad highways and byways
and every way but your way,
forgive us and draw us back to you.

When we have ignored the voices of your prophets
When we have filled our lives with so much noise and distraction that we cannot hear your voice,
Forgive us and draw us back to you.

When we have turned a blind eye to justice
When we have fanned the flames of conflict
When we have chosen in whatever way, to hurt or to harm
Forgive us and draw us back to you:

In a moment of quiet reflection, we bring before you those stumbling blocks we put on the path that hinder our preparations 
as we await the coming of your Son, our King...
...   ...   ...
Sweep through the dark and dusty corners of our hearts,
Clear the corridors of our souls,
Cleanse us and cause us to rise up and rejoice;
To cry out with your prophets:
‘the King is coming:
Great and mighty is He!’

And now, gathered as your people, we pray again the prayer that Jesus taught us, praying: 
Our Father...   
Amen.

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