🔔
I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Everlasting God, as our hearts yearn and groan within us waiting for the fullness of your kingdom, help us to pray, help us to wait, help us to not be misled by deception, but with undivided hearts look for the true light of your coming.
- Christ the Reconciler
Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)
🔔
Scriptural Theme
The earth will give birth to her dead.
Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)
🔔
Praying Isaiah 26:16-19 (New International Version)
LORD, they came to you in their distress; when you disciplined them, they could barely whisper a prayer. As a pregnant woman about to give birth writhes and cries out in her pain, so were we in your presence, LORD.
We were with child, we writhed in labor, but we gave birth to wind. We have not brought salvation to the earth; we have not given birth to the people of the world. *
But your dead will live, LORD; their bodies will rise - let those who dwell in the dust wake up and shout for joy - your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead.
Response to the Scripture
Hope of all the ends of the earth, bright and morning star; rise like the day in our hearts. Come to weary hearts - come and stay.
Draw near to God’s throne of grace
with the thanksgivings, prayers, & intercessions that are on your heart
🔔
The Spirit and the Bride say *
“Come!”
Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly. *
The earth will give birth to her dead.
Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song
(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)
🔔
Ending Prayer
All-powerful God, increase our will for doing good that Christ may find an eager welcome when he comes to call us to his side in the kingdom of heaven, where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
- A Prayer Book of Catholic Devotions
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
( Adapted by Christ the Reconciler from Season 1: Advent Bridge Prayer – “Longing for the Messiah to come” )