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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
Almighty God and Father of light,
a child is born to us and a Son is given to us.
Your eternal Word leaped down from heaven
in the silent watches of the night,
and now your Church is filled with wonder
at the nearness of her God.*
Open our hearts to receive His life
and increase our vision with the rising of dawn,
that our lives may be filled with His glory and His peace,
who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
- Traditional Roman Catholic Prayer
Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)
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Scriptural Theme
You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.
Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)
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Praying Matthew 16:13-20 (New International Version)
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" *
They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" *
Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."
Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
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
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The Spirit and the Bride say *
“Come!”
Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly. *
You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.
Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song
(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)
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Ending Prayer
What I beg for you beside the manger of the Infant Jesus is that he grant you the grace to grow more and more in affection for that holy vocation of yours which is so beautiful, *
for what can one do more pleasing to our Lord than to be always engaged in making him known and loved?
- St. Therese Couderc
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” )