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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
O Jesu Christ, focus my attention on You.
O Son of Mary, be cradled in my heart.
O Most Holy, fix my mind and my heart's gaze upon You.
- Celtic Daily Prayer
Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)
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Scriptural Theme
Out of Egypt I called my son.
Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)
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Praying Matthew 2:13-20 (English Standard Version)
When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." *
So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."
When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more." *
After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead."
Response to the Scripture
Lo How a Rose e'er blooming, from tender stem hath sprung. Of Jesse's lineage coming as men of old have sung. It came a flower bright, amid the cold of winter, when half spent was the night.
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. *
Out of Egypt I called my son.
Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song
(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)
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Ending Prayer
When God made man, he gave him all the earth,
All growing things, with every bird and beast;
Then Adam named them at the Lord’s command,
Subdued the greatest of them, and the least.
In his own image God created man,
And when from dust he fashioned Adam’s face,
The likeness of his only Son was formed:
His Word incarnate, filled with truth and grace.*
To God the Father and to Christ his Son
And blessed Spirit heaven and earth give praise.
Creation with tremendous voice cries out:
All holy is the mighty Lord of Days.
- Stanbrook Abbey Hymnal
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” )