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I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Eternal Light, shine into our hearts, Eternal Goodness, deliver us from evil, Eternal Power, be our support, Eternal Wisdom, scatter the darkness of our ignorance, Eternal Pity, have mercy upon us; that with all our heart and mind and soul and strength we may seek thy face and be brought by thine infinite mercy to thy holy presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
- the Oxford Book of Prayer
Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)
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Scriptural Theme
How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them?
Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)
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Praying Matthew 9:14-16 (New International Version)
Then John's disciples came and asked him, "How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?" *
Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."
Response to the Scripture
O come thou, Wisdom from on high
And order all things far and nigh;
To us the path of knowledge show
And lead us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to Thee, O Israel
Draw near to God’s throne of grace
with the thanksgivings, prayers, & intercessions that are on your heart
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The Spirit and the Bride say *
“Come!”
Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly. *
How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them?
Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song
(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)
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Ending Prayer
O God, who didst reveal Thyself to us in the birth of Thy Son in human flesh, make us to tremble at the thought of Thy divine incarnation. May we, like Mary, receive the light of Thy Word with wondrous awe. We beseech you O Lord, in this advent season, to stir up in us reverence and admiration for Thy Christ child. May we never forget the greatness of Thy divine power, providence and love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
- Christ Church Austin - 2011 Advent Liturgy
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” )