🔔
I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Deep in the night the voice of the waves on the shore announced to us: Christ is born! Son of the King of kings from the land of salvation, the mountains glowed to Him, the plains glowed to Him, then shone the sun on the mountains high to Him. All hail, let there be joy.
God the Lord has opened a Door. Christ of hope, Door of joy! Son of Mary, hasten Thou to help me: In me, Lord Christ, let there be joy.
- Celtic Daily Prayer
Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)
🔔
Scriptural Theme
Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)
🔔
Praying John 1:23-31 (New International Version - 1984)
John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.'" *
Now the Pharisees who had been sent questioned him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"
"I baptize with water," John replied, "but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie." This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing. *
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel."
Response to the Scripture
Father God, we would not know you but that You revealed yourself to us. We agree with the testimony of Heaven that Jesus is your true and divine son. Through him and by him we can know you, love you and approach you with confidence.
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. *
Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song
(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)
🔔
Ending Prayer
Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
- Anglican Book of Common Prayer
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
( Adapted by Christ the Reconciler from Season 2: Christmas Bridge Prayer – “The Joy of Longing Fulfilled” )