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Leader: We join together as one in Christ to pray ...
All: ... to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Leader: Father of mercy and grace, we acknowledge that we have sinned and that our world is gripped by the power of sin.
All: Our hearts are grieved by injustice, hatred, and violence.
Leader: We are shamed by oppression, racism and bloodshed in our land. We mourn all loss of life in murder, war and terrorism.
All: Our homes are broken and our churches are divided by rebellion and pride. Our lives are polluted by selfishness, greed, idolatry and sexual sin.
Leader: We have grieved Your heart and brought shame to Your name. Have mercy on us as we repent with all our hearts.
All: God of mercy, forgive our sins, pour out Your grace and heal our land.
- Global Day of Prayer 2009
Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)
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Leader: Let us proclaim together:
All: Prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)
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Leader: We are praying from the book of the prophet Isaiah:
All: A voice of one calling: In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
- Isaiah 40:3-5 (New International Version)
Leader: Lord God, indeed you love truth in the inward parts. Look with mercy on our contrite hearts and teach us wisdom.
Draw near God’s throne of grace
with the thanksgivings, prayers, & intercessions that are on your heart
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Leader: The Spirit and the Bride say,
All: “Come!”
Leader: Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly.
All: Prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song
(follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit)
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Leader: Let us pray:
All: O God, who divided the sea for those leaving the land of Egypt, and commanded the streams to stand on one either side as thick walls, be pleased to free our souls from the flood of sins. May we have the strength to pass through the depth of our faults, in scorn of the adversary, O Savior of the world, who live and reign with the Eternal Father, in unity with the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
- Bangor, Ireland, 7th Century
All: In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.