PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Light and peace in Jesus Christ!
Thanks be to God!

“ ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)
Alleluia!!

THANKSGIVING FOR LIGHT

Blessed are you, Holy God!
When you said: “Let there be light”
there was light and it was good.
When your people fled from oppression,
You led them with a pillar of fire.
In Jesus Christ, your light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness cannot overcome it.
Blessed are you, God of light!
Shine in our lives with the light of Christ
that we might give you praise through him
who lives and reigns with you and Holy Spirit,
now and forever. Amen.

Psalm 150

 ¹ Praise the LORD.
       Praise God in his sanctuary;
       praise him in his mighty heavens.

 ² Praise him for his acts of power;
       praise him for his surpassing greatness.

 ³ Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
       praise him with the harp and lyre,

 ⁴ praise him with tambourine and dancing,
       praise him with the strings and flute,

 ⁵ praise him with the clash of cymbals,
       praise him with resounding cymbals.

 ⁶ Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
       Praise the LORD.

Glory be. . .

Isaias 43

But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, and formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine.

When you pass through the water, I will be with you; in the rivers you shall not drown. When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned; the flames shall not consume you.

For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in return for you. Because you are precious in my eyes and glorious, and because I love you, . . .

You are my witnesses, says the LORD, my servants whom I have chosen

To know and believe in me and understand that it is I. Before me no god was formed, and after me there shall be none. It is I, I the LORD; there is no savior but me.

Yes, from eternity I am He; There is none who can deliver from my hand: who can countermand what I do?

 Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not;

See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING AND INTERCESSION

Everlasting Lord,
we are grateful and hushed by the mystery of existence
as we stand on the threshold of a new year.
We marvel in your love and gracious purpose
woven into the fabric of our days.
With confidence born of your faithfulness
we offer our hopes and prayers:

     for ourselves and all most dear to us . . . (pause)
     for the world, its peoples and its leaders . . . (pause)
     for the mission and faithfulness of the Church
        here and everywhere . . . (pause).

At this blessed time we also pray for. . .

CONCLUSION

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings,
with your most gracious favour,
and further us with your continual help,
that in all our works,
     begun, continued, and ended in you,
we may glorify your holy name,
and finally, by your mercy,
obtain everlasting life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who taught us to pray:

FINAL PRAISE   (Jude 24-25)

Now to the One who is able to keep you from falling,
and to present you without blemish
before the presence of his glory with rejoicing,
to the only God our Saviour,
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
be glory, majesty, dominion and authority,
before all time and now and forevermore.

BLESSING
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14)
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God!

Repentance is expressed regret. Within our hearts we acknowledge that we have done wrong and need to say we are sorry and make amends, both to God and to those whom we have harmed in any way. To carry that regret around unacknowledged and unspoken leads to guilt which eats away at the soul. Let us lay down the burden in front of the Lord in true sorrow and regret, seeking His forgiveness.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. I ask for your forgiveness, cleansing, guidance, strength, protection and healing for every step along this journey. Please create in me a clean heart, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me by your generous Spirit. I commit myself to serving you from this point on in my life, and ask that you will accomplish your will in my life and not my own. You are my King and I am your servant. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth your praise. Teach me your ways, that I may walk in them for the rest of my life. Amen.

Psalm 51

Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.

² Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.

³ For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.

⁴ Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.

5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts ;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

⁸ Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

⁹ Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.

¹⁰ Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

¹¹ Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.

¹² Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

¹³ Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.

¹⁴ Save me from bloodguilt, O God,
the God who saves me,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

¹⁵ O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.

¹⁶ You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

¹⁷ The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.

¹⁸ In your good pleasure make Zion prosper;
build up the walls of Jerusalem.

¹⁹ Then there will be righteous sacrifices,
whole burnt offerings to delight you;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Examen of Conscience

My Relationship with God

Do I give time to God?
Do I pray every day?
Do I spend time with the Lord?

My Place

Am I hard to live with?
Am I moody or selfish?
Do I seek help if I am causing hurt to others?

My Relationship with Others

Am I tolerant of and unselfish towards others?
Am I kind in word and deed?
Do I pray for my ‘enemies’ and forgive them?

Justice
Do I respect the needs, rights and property of others?
Am I aboveboard and honest in my dealings?
Do I cheat, steal or make false claims?
Do I pay my debts?

“God our Father, I thank you for loving me. I am sorry for all my sins - for not loving others and not loving you - Help me to live like Jesus and not sin again.”

Closing Responses
Reader : Jesus took bread and broke it - gave it to his disciples and said "This is my body given for you.”
ALL: JESUS, THE BREAD OF LIFE, BROKEN FOR THE WORLD..

Reader: Jesus said, "I am the bread come down from heaven"
ALL: MAY WE WHO BREAK THIS BREAD AND EAT IT SHARE ITS LIFE WITH THE WORLD..

Reader: Jesus said, "I commission you to be my disciples - to go and bear fruit, fruit that will endure."
ALL: MAY WE BE BREAD BROKEN FOR THE WORLD - GIVING OUR LIVES AS SACRIFICES OF LOVE: GIVING OF OURSELVES SO THAT OTHERS MIGHT LIVE.

Reader: And may God bless us
ALL: THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

Reader: And until we meet again
ALL:MAY GOD HOLD US IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND. AMEN.

Reader 6
We break the bread of India: living on the leading edge;
small lights lit in Calcutta, Madras, Bombay, people living alongside the poor,
living the prophecy of the Kingdom
that the Lord - and those whom the Lord has chosen - hear the cries of the poor..

Reader 7
We break the bread of Eastern Europe: living on the knife edge of recovery of civil war;
barbarity dressed up in euphemism of ethnic- cleansing;
the achievements of generations disintegrating into rubble,
the pride of peoples dissolving in the tears of refugees, weeping for the lost ones..

Reader 8
We break the bread of Eastern Europe: people living on the leading edge of rebuilding bridges:
crossing swirling rivers and restoring road-links, rising over hatred and restoring relationships; people living the prophecy of the Kingdom: the making of peace, the comforting of those who mourn..

people living on the leading-edge of the care of the user,
the care of the weak and the frail; people living the prophecy of the Kingdom
the life of the good neighbour; people prepared to risk insult and misunderstanding
in following their Lord..

Reader 11
We break the bread of the world: for its shames and its sorrows;
for its pains and its injustices; for a beautiful world living on a knife-edge
broken by brutal hands..

Reader 12
We break the bread of the world: with the healing hands of Jesus;
who broke bread that we might live. We celebrate all who live on the leading-edge,
people who live the Gospel prophecy: in power and in powerlessness,
believing in the Kingdom, breaking free of familiar boundaries
and building a new world on the foundations of the old:
a world where the healing hands of our Lord draw broken edges together - and make all things new.

Reader 1
We break the bread of Africa, a continent rich in resources,
living on a knife edge: impoverished by tribal strife,
by AIDS, by drought, by preventable diseases, by unfair trading..

Reader 2
We break the bread of Africa-people living on the leading edge:
living the prophecy of the Kingdom in racial co-operation,
in feeding the hungry, in healing the sick.
A continent graced with prophets in power, leading Africa to new life.

Reader 3
We break the bread of South America-living on the knife-edge of ecological disaster:
acres of virgin forest put to sword and flame; her children, promise of her future,
living on a knife-edge: on street and rubbish-tip,
considered to be vermin - and disposable.

Reader 4
We break the bread of South America-living on the leading edge of peoples
living in harmony with the forests; teaching the future the value of the past.
Communities, small, basic and Christian, offering havens of hope and hospitality
to the cast-offs of society; prophets of our age living without power
living prophetically the hunger for justice and right.

Reader 5
We break the bread of India, living on the knife-edge of poverty and squalor;
living on a knife-edge of political stability, resorting to tactics of oppression and fear;
dictatorship in democracy. Generations bonded in labour to masters long-dead;
debts beyond repaying.of unemployment
and exploitation by drug dealers; our old folk living in fear of crime and violence;
Christians afraid of our voices

“The equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family are the foundation of FREEDOM, JUSTICE and PEACE in the world.” - United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations December 1948. It has been translated into more than 300 languages. Its principles have been enshrined in the legislations and constitutions of many states.

The Cry of the Poor
R/. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

I will bless the Lord at all times, with praise ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the Lord, who will hear the cry of the poor. R/.

Let the lowly hear and be glad: the Lord listens to their pleas;
And to hearts broken, God is near. R/.

Every spirit crushed, God will save; will be ransom for their lives.
Will be safe shelter for their fears, and will hear the cry of the poor. R/.

We proclaim your greatness, God, your praise ever in our mouth;
Every face brightens in your light, for you hear the cry of the poor. R/.

Reading: Lk 18:1—8
Jesus told the disciples a parable on the necessity of praying always and not losing heart. “Once there was a judge in a certain city who feared no one - not even God. A woman in that city who had been widowed kept coming to the judge and saying ‘Give me legal protection from my opponent’. For a time the judge refused, but finally the judge thought, ‘I care little for God or people, but this woman won’t leave me alone. I’d better give her the protection she seeks, or she’ll keep coming and wear me out.’” Jesus said, “Listen to what this corrupt judge is saying. Won’t God then do justice to the chosen who call out day and night? Will God delay long over them? I tell you, God will give them swift justice,”

Reflection Questions

· How can we protect and preserve human rights in our personal and community life?
In the lives of all people everywhere?

· Do we have the courage and patience to speak truth and defend justice and human rights where we live?

Psalm: Ps 72: 1—8, 11-14, 17-19
Bring justice to the peoples, O Beloved
And your mercy to all generations!
May the people be known for mercy,
Rendering justice to the poor ones.

Let their spirits soar as the eagle,
Let joy abide in every heart.
May you heed the cry of the poor -
The young and the old,

Setting free all those in need,
Melting the hearts of oppressors.
May we know you long as the sun endures,
As long as the moon,
Throughout all generations.
May we acknowledge you in the rain
Falling on the fields, like showers that water Earth.

In our day may justice flourish
And peace abound
Throughout all the nations.
May every heart be open to Your love
From sea to sea
From the River of Life
Out to the universe.

May fears that imprison the people
Be brought to the light
And rise from the depths.

May the leaders of the nations
Listen to your Word;
May they spend time in silence before they counsel.
May the leaders surrender to your love
And the nations serve the Most high.

For you heed the needy ones when they call,
The poor ones and those who have no friend.
You have compassion on the weak and the downtrodden
And give them strength and hope.
From justice and oppression you redeem their life;
And they are precious in your heart.

May your name live on forever,
Your love endure as long as the sun!
May all the people be blessed by you,
And all nations call you blessed.

Blessed be the Beloved, the One
Who dwells in open hearts,
Who guides us along the way.
Blessed be you, who comes in the name of love,
May your glory fill the earth.
Amen! Amen!

Poem: “Gitanjali” [Tagore]
I’m looking at all of you give me a place among you
Under and behind everyone in the world of dust,
In a place that has no value,
In a place that’s not worth dividing with lines,
Where there’s no difference between self-pride and insult,
Give me a place there among you all.
Where there’s no outer cover,
Where I see I have absolutely nothing my own,
Where I can’t hide this truth within myself,
Standing there I’ll take my fill of my extreme poverty,
Taking it as God’s generous gift -
Give me a place among you all.

Prayers of Petition
· Compassionate God, we pray for our sisters and brothers who struggle to survive under the burden of grinding poverty and unsustainable debt.
Response: O God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

· Active God, we pray for those who do not have clean water and adequate food, who cannot find work, who have been victims of violence, and for those who dismiss workers to increase profits.
Response: O God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

· Loving God, we pray for immigrants who, in search of a better life for themselves and their families, have left their home countries, extended families and friends. We pray for those who are forced to leave their homes to search for safety in times of war and violent conflict.
Response: O God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Pause for other intentions.

Our Father . . . .

Final Prayer
Faithful God, we are committed to being your servants for justice. Help us to realize that we have gifts and talents that you intend us to use for good. Help us to use the privilege we have, but have not earned, in order that our world might become a better place for all. Help us to defend the rights of those who cannot defend themselves, most especially the poor among us. We commit ourselves to work for justice and human rights, today and throughout our lives. We pray this prayer in the name of Jesus, our brother. Amen.

              We gather this evening at a critical moment in Earth’s history, a time when humanity must choose its future. As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and fragile, the future holds great peril and great promise. To move forward we must recognise that in the midst of a magnificent diversity of cultures and life forms, we are one human family and one Earth community with a common destiny.

              Humanity is part of a vast evolving universe. Earth, our home, is alive with a unique community of life. The forces of nature make existence a demanding and uncertain adventure, but Earth has provided the conditions essential to life’s evolution. The future depends upon preserving a healthy biosphere with all its ecological systems, a rich variety of plants and animals, fertile soils, pure waters and clean air. The global environment, with its finite resources, is a common concern of all peoples. The protection of Earth’s vitality, diversity and beauty is a sacred trust.

We pray:
We call upon all that we hold most sacred, the presence and power of God the Creator. Teach us to care for the earth, our planet home with its beautiful depths and soaring heights, its vitality and the abundance of life. Help us to live simply that others may simply live. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen.

Let us reflect together on the suffering of God’s creation

EARTH
Earth is both the planet we live on and the material we live from. Its thin skin of soil produces our food, nurtures our trees and plant life, cleans our water, protects us from floods and regulates our climate. Throughout the ages, soil has been regarded as precious, even sacred, because of its gifts. Yet, today we degraded over 5 billion acres of soil globally  -  through chemical fertilizers and pesticides, unregulated waste dumping, over-farming and over-grazing, deforestation, excessive population growth, and polluted rain. Replacing the topsoil already lost will take centuries.

And so we pray:
We ask forgiveness for using unnatural pesticides and fertilizers, straining the soil by eating too high on the food chain, dumping recyclable waste in landfills.We are grateful for gifts soil shares: plants and trees to help Earth breathe, food and medicines for us and all creatures,
ground to root us in Earth.

AIR
Air  -  the invisible force that surrounds us, fills us up and gives us life. Air is the moving ocean of gases in which we swim all the days of our lives. Invisible and indivisible, air is a place without borders or owners, shared by all life on Earth. Air binds us all together as a single living entity extending through time and space. But human pollution is now rapidly changing Earth’s air  -  filling it with materials harmful to all beings.These substances rise into the atmosphere damaging the ozone layer, increasing the planet’s temperature, and endangering the health of the most vulnerable, then fall back to Earth as acid rain  -  killing forests and sterilizing lakes.

And so we pray:
We ask forgiveness for spewing chemicals and fossil fuel wastes into the atmosphere, exposing millions of children to life-threatening pollution, and taking clean, fresh air for granted.

We are grateful for gifts air shares: oxygen to keep us alive, space where we and other creatures can live,
means for birds to fly and sound to travel.

ANIMALS
Our lives and livelihoods depend on biodiversity  -  the wealth of wild species. But Earth stands on the edge of a sixth “Great Extinction”, one caused largely by human activities. One quarter of Earth’s mammals, 12% of all birds, and 30% of all fish are at risk.

This massive loss of species will be stopped only if we humans remember that nature is not an object to be exploited or an enemy to be destroyed, but an ally deserving respect and replenishment. We are part of a web of life. Many strands of this web have already been broken; we must act quickly to repair what we can. Our lives, and Earth as we know it, depend on this. 

And so we pray:
We ask forgiveness for destroying habitats of wild animals, often for profit’s sake, ignoring animals’ most basic needs, raising animals in inhumane ways.

We are grateful for gifts the animals share:an innate sense for living in balance, spirited energy and graceful beauty,
playful spirits that make us laugh and help us relax.

WATER
Water is the wellspring of life, perhaps our most fragile and precious resource. But Earth’s freshwater is under siege. Humans are manipulating, polluting, and depleting freshwater supplies at alarming rates.

An estimated 1.2 million people already lack access to clean drinking water. Yet 90% of the planet’s fresh water goes to inefficient agribusiness and other industrial use. If present patterns continue, two out of every three persons on Earth will live in water-stressed areas within 25 years.

And so we pray:
We ask forgiveness for using more than our share of Earth’s waters  -  depriving other species, destroying water’s pristine quality and beauty, failing to ensure clean, affordable water for all people.
We are grateful for the gifts water shares: its power to cleanse and refresh, its generous quenching of thirst, the calming magic of its rippling.

FIRE
All life on Earth is forged in the fires of the sun and, throughout the ages, humans have revered flame as sacred power. But fire is a double-edged sword: what warms may burn, what unleashes energy may destroy.

Humans are “fire creatures”  -  the species that manipulates fire. And our choice to burn fossil fuels now threatens all life on Earth. Carbon dioxide and other “greenhouse gases” are more than 25% higher than at any time in the last 160,000 years. Their accumulation is heating the planet  -  changing the climate in ways that will devastate ecosystems, disrupt weather patterns, and diminish harvests.

And so we pray:
We ask forgiveness fo continuing to rely on fossil fuels, using energy extravagantly, failing to insist on an eco-friendly economy.

PRAYER FOR PEACE

Reader:  In the not too distant past, bruised and black clouds shed heavy tears on the fields of Flanders, fields becoming graveyards in which were buried the flower of a generation

All:  AND GOD WEPT FOR THESE WERE HIS CHILDREN.

Reader:  Bruised and black clouds shed heavy tears on the cities of Europe, and of Japan, cities shrouded in the dust of desolation camps wreathed in the smoke of human cremations, people in confusion whispering  -  “Please God, never again”.

All:  AND GOD WEPT FOR THESE WERE HIS CHILDREN.

Reader:  Bruised black clouds still shroud cities, shopping streets, business centres, refugee camps, and people gaze on devastation wrought by evil on innocence

All:  AND GOD WEPT FOR THESE ARE HIS CHILDREN.

Reader:  Bruised and black clouds shed tears over a whole world bowed  -  bloodied by battle, cowed and weary of war, her roads clogged by refugees  -  with nowhere but earth to call home

All:  AND GOD WEPT FOR THESE ARE HIS CHILDREN.

Reader:  God of life, drawing life and death together in Yourself,  uniting the lost and the loving, be among us as we gather.

All:  O GOD, GUIDE OUR PRAYING AND LOVING,  CHERISH OUR REMEMBERING, YOU ARE OUR GOD WHO FORGETS NO ONE.

Scripture Reading:  John 5: 24—29  Jesus gives life
I tell you most solemnly, whoever listens to my words, and believes in the one who sent me, has eternal life; without being brought to judgement he has passed from death to life. I tell you most solemnly, the hour will come  -  in fact it is here already  -  when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and all who hear it will live. For the Father, who is the source of life, has made the Son the source of life; and, because he is the Son of Man, has appointed him supreme judge. Do not be surprised at this, for the hour is coming when the dead will leave their graves at the sound of his voice.

Ritual: 
At this time we light a candle for the persecuted people of  BURMA.
R/.  We remember them and pray for them, for these are your children, Lord.

We light a candle for the people of  IRAQ (R/.) . . . AFGHANISTAN (R/.) ….INDONESIA (R/.) …. MIDDLE EAST  (R/.)  . . .  ZIMBABWE  (R/.)  . . .  DARFUR & SUDAN  (R/.) 

We light a candle for the UNITED NATIONS
R./ That peace may prevail on Earth.

We light a candle for the U.S. & other GOVERNMENTS   R/. . . 

We light a candle for the EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT  R/. . . .

A Buddhist Prayer
Evoking the presence of the great compassion, let us fill our hearts with our own compassion - towards ourselves and towards all living beings.
Let us pray that all living beings realise that they are all brothers and sisters, all nourished from the same source of life.

A Muslim Prayer
O God! O our Master! You are eternal life and everlasting peace by your essence and attributes. The everlasting peace is from You and it returns to You. O our Sustainer! Grant us the life of true peace and usher us into the abode of peace. O Glorious and Bounteous One! You are blessed and sublime.

A Jewish Prayer
Cause us, O Father, to lie down in peace, and rise again to enjoy life. Spread over us the covering of your peace, guide us with your good counsel and save us for the sake of your name. Be a shield about us, turning away every enemy, disease, violence, hunger and sorrow. Shelter us in the shadow of your wings, for you are a God who guards and protects us, a ruler of mercy and compassion…. Blessed are you, Lord, who spreads the shelter of peace over us, over His people Israel, and over all the world.

A Jain Prayer
Lead me from death to Life, from falsehood to Truth.
Lead me from despair to Hope, from fear to Trust.
Lead me from hate to Love, from war to Peace.
Let Peace fill our heart, our world, our universe.

A Sikh Prayer
By the grace of God's name
May humanity find itself lifted higher and higher. In thy dispensation O Lord let there be good in all humanity.

A Hindu Prayer
Oh God, lead us from the unreal to the Real. Oh God, lead us from darkness to light. Oh God, lead us from death to immortality. Shanti (Peace), Shanti, Shanti unto all. Oh Lord God almighty, may there be peace in celestial regions. May there be peace on earth. May the waters be appeasing. May herbs be wholesome, and may trees and plants bring peace to all. May all beneficent beings bring peace to us. May thy peace itself bestow peace on all, and may that peace come to me also

A Baha'i Prayer
Be generous in prosperity, and thankful in adversity. Be fair in thy judgement, and guarded in thy speech. Be a lamp unto those who walk in darkness and a home to the stranger. Be eyes to the blind, and a guiding light to the feet of the erring. Be a breath of life to the body of humankind, a dew to the soil of the human heart and fruit upon the tree of humility.

Prayer of St Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred let me sow love.
Where there is injury; pardon.
Where there is doubt; faith.
Where there is despair; hope.
Where there is darkness; light.
Where there is sadness; joy.

Closing Responses
Reader: From the rising of the sun until its setting
Response: God of Peace, God of Justice, God of Mercy - Remember your People

Reader: From the bleakness of war to the lavish warmth of peace

Reader: From the peace of eternity to the pain of the present

Reader: We turn to you, O God, asking that you enfold our planet in your justice, peace and truth. Enlighten the minds of those making decisions  -  melt the hearts of those inflicting cruelty upon children and strengthen the resolve of all who pray for peace,

ALL:  And may God bless us  -  and the peoples who share our planet,   -  the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and may God hold our world and all its people in the palm of his hand. AMEN.  

EVENING PRAYER

All:  God our Father, we give you thanks for all your gifts so freely bestowed upon us, for the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and sky and sea; for all that is gracious in the lives of men and women, revealing the light of Christ; for minds to muse and hearts to love and hands to serve; for health and strength to work; for leisure to rest and play; for communion with your saints, in all times and places; and above all, for the great promises and mercies given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord. To him be praise and glory, with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.  Amen.

Introduction to Psalm 27 

In the words of Psalm 27, we express our joy that the Lord is our light and our salvation. In his exchange of gifts with us, he calls us to be the light of the world, even as he is our light. He is light for our path, he saves us from sin, he keeps us safe from the many dangers that beset us, just as they beset the Psalmist, who put his trust in God and found refuge in him. In the midst of the temptations and enticements of the world, we seek to walk with our heads held high, our eyes fixed on Christ, the light of the nations, the teacher and friend of the young.  It is he who promises and gives us the joy above all joys: to live for ever in his house, to be present in the world as his Church, and to taste forever the sweetness of the Lord in the glory of our true homeland, towards which we journey together on a pilgrimage of light and hope. 

Psalm 27: 1-6

Love is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?

Love is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?

When fears assail me, rising up to accuse me,

Each one in turn shall be seen in Love’s light.

Though a multitude of demons rise up within me,
Though doubts and guilt do battle, yet shall I remain confident,

One thing have I asked of Love, that I shall ever seek:
That I might dwell in the Heart of Love all the days of my life,
To behold the Beauty of my Beloved, and to know Love’s Plan.

For I shall hide in Love’s heart in the day of trouble,
As in a tent in the desert, away from the noise of my fears.

And I shall rise above my struggles, my pain,
Shouting blessings of gratitude in Love’s Heart
and singing melodies of praise to my Beloved.

Let us pray.
Father, you protect and strengthen those who hope in you; you heard the cry of your Son and kept him safe in your tent in the day of evil. Grant that servants who seek your face in time of trouble may see your goodness in the land of the living. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Introduction to Psalm 141: 1 - 9
Our prayer rises to heaven this evening, like the incense burning in the brazier, spreading its fragrance through this praying community.  It is our evening sacrifice, the offering of our pure lips and our burning hearts, a gift acceptable to the Father of all.  The power of our prayer is rooted wholly in Christ.  He offered his life to the Father as an acceptable sacrifice, when he raised his arms to him on the Cross and embraced the whole world with his love; thus he left the earth infused forever with the sweet fragrance of his evening sacrifice. In communion with him who is our Lord and Master, and guided by his Spirit, let us join our praise to the eternal song of the saints in heaven.

Psalm 141: 1-9
I call to You, O Blessed One, suffuse me with your Love!
Give ear to my prayer when I call to You!

May my supplication be heard as I surrender before You,
as I abandon myself into your Heart!

Set a guard over my mouth, O Divine Counsellor.
Keep watch over the door of my lips. 

May I speak only what is of good intent,
and not busy myself with rumour and gossip;
incline my heart to what is beneficial and holy.

Lead me to words of wisdom and truth,
seeds to be planted in my heart-soil;

Guide me to times of solitude and silence that nurture new growth,
so my love may ripen into abundant fruit.

Cultivate in me a heart great with compassion and mercy,
a peace that radiates out to all of Creation.

My inner being yearns for You, O Beloved,
in You did I find refuge and strength!

May your Light so shine in me that
others are attracted to your peace and harmony.

In the company of your friends, may I, too, walk the pilgrim road
to wholeness and holiness, O Heart of all Hearts!

Let us pray
Holy Father, Creator of heaven and earth, in goodness and infinite wisdom you have made all things: listen to the cry of your sons and daughters; may the offering of our hands stretched out to you be accepted as our evening sacrifice of praise, and, with our witness of life, may it send forth the good fragrance of Christ which draws to you the whole of humanity and all creation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Intercessions: 
Baptized in the one faith and assembled in a hope that does not disappoint, let us acclaim Christ, the Light of the World.  Inspired by the Holy Spirit let us implore our heavenly Father to hear our prayers of petition that we now place before him.

 · Son of God and Son of Mary, you grew in wisdom and grace,
-  come and enable all young people to mature in your love and to become responsible citizens of the Kingdom. R/. Lord, hear our prayer 

· Eternal Word, you created the universe and in the fullness of time became flesh for our sake,
-  come and grant us the grace of reconciliation with the Father, with our brothers and sisters and with the whole of creation.  R/. 

· True Light, you enlighten every man, woman and child,
-  come and dispel the religious, ethnic and racial prejudice which stands in the way of the full communion of your people.  R/. 

· Righteous Judge, you sit at the right hand of the Father,
-  come, and enkindle within us the passion for comprehensive justice, the burning desire for lasting peace and the openness for sincere dialogue. R/. 

· Only-Begotten Son, you live in communion with the Father,
-  come, enlighten and sustain with your Spirit our Holy Father, Pope Benedict,  and all ministers of the Gospel.  R/. 

· Liberator and Saviour, you are the one who sets us free,
-  come and bring relief to the suffering, confidence to the wavering, freedom to the oppressed, courage to the fainthearted, healing to the sick and new life to the dead. R/. 

Final Prayer,
Father of light, unchanging God, You reveal to people of faith the resplendent reality of the Word made flesh. Your light is strong, your love is near; draw us beyond the limits which this world imposes, to the life where your Spirit makes all life complete. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Origins of Advent Wreath
Found in the folk practices of the pre-Christian Germanic peoples who, during the cold December darkness, gathered wreaths of evergreen and lighted fires as signs of hope in a coming spring and renewed light. By the 16th cent. Catholics and Protestants used these symbols to celebrate their Advent hope in Christ, the everlasting Light.

Leader: Placing the wreath and lighting the first candle.
As our nights grow longer and our days grow short, we look on these earthly signs—light and green branches—and remember God’s promise to our world:
Christ, our Light and our Hope, will come.
Let us listen to the words of Isaiah the prophet:

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; on those who lived in a land as dark as death a light has dawned.
You have increased their joy and given them gladness;
They rejoice in your presence as those who rejoice at harvest, as warriors exult when dividing spoil.      Is. 9:1-2

O God, rejoicing, we remember the promise of your Son. As the light from this candle, may the blessing of Christ come upon us, brightening our way and guiding us by his truth.
May Christ our Saviour bring life into the darkness of our world, and to us, as we wait for his coming.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

All: O Emmanuel, Jesus Christ, desire of every nation,
Saviour of all peoples, come and dwell with us.

Hymn                      
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

O Come, O Wisdom from on high,
Who orders all things mightily,
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! . . . . .

O Come, O Come, thou Lord of might,
Who to thy tribes on Sinai’s height
In ancient times didst give the law
In cloud and majesty, and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! . . . . .

Prayer
O King of the Nations and their Desired One, and Cornerstone of the House of God, come and save us whom you formed out of dust.
Response:  Come, Lord, come to save us.

O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, the Expected One of the Nations, and their Saviour, come to save us O Lord our God.
Response:    Come, Lord, come to save us.

The Spirit of the Lord moved over the darkness of earth and there was light and life. May the burning of these candles remind us of the Lord’s coming.  Amen.

Lord God, fill our hearts with your Holy Spirit, and as you revealed your Son through his coming as one of us, so lead us through his sufferings and death to the glory of his resurrection. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading:  The eternal springtime will surely come    
Once only in a year, yet once, does the world which we see show forth its hidden powers, and, in a manner, manifest itself. Then the leaves come out, and the blossoms on the fruit trees and flowers; and the grass and corn spring up. There is a sudden rush and burst outwardly of that hidden life which God has lodged in the material world. Well, that shows you, as by a sample, what it can do at God’s command, when he gives the word. Who would think, except from his experience of former springs all through his life, who could conceive two or three months before, that it was possible that the face of nature, which then seemed so lifeless, should become so splendid and varied?
- John Henry Newman,  Parochial and Plain Sermons

In longing expectation we pray . . .

Creator of the stars of night,
Your people’s everlasting light,
O Christ, Redeemer of us all,
We pray you hear us when we call.

In sorrow that the ancient curse
Should doom to death a universe,
You came, O Saviour, to set free
Your own in glorious liberty.

Come, Son and Saviour, to embrace
Our gloomy world, its weary race,
As groom to bride, as bride to groom:
The wedding chamber, Mary’s womb.

At your great Name, O Jesus, now
All knees must bend, all hearts must bow;
All things on earth with one accord,
Like those in heav’n, shall call you Lord.

Come in your holy might, we pray,
Redeem us for eternal day;
Defend us while we dwell below,
From all assaults of our dread foe.

 - Evening Hymn for Advent, 8th century

Intercessions

 · Jesus Christ is the joy and happiness of all who look forward to his coming. Let us call upon him and say:     R/.  Come, Lord, and do not delay!

 · In joy, we wait for your coming,   R/.   Come, Lord Jesus.

 · Before time began, you shared life with the Father,  R/.   Come now and save us.

 · You created the world and all who live in it,    R/.  Come, to redeem the work of your hands.

 · You did not hesitate to become man, subject to death,   R/.   Come to free us from the power of death.

 · You came to give us life to the full,   R/.    Come and give us your unending life.

 · You desire all people to live in love in your kingdom,   R/.   Come and bring together those who long to see you face to face.

Final Prayer
God our Creator, the day draws near when the glory of your Son will make radiant the night of the waiting world. May the lure of greed not impede us from the joy which moves the hearts of those who seek him. May darkness not blind us to the visions of wisdom which fills the minds of those who find him. Amen
 

Prayer of Thanksgiving
I give thanks to my God timelessly,
to  the one who kept me faithful in the day of trial;
so that today I offer sacrifice to God confidently,
the living sacrifice of my life to Christ, my Lord,
who preserved me in all my troubles.

I can say, therefore, Who am I, Lord?
What is my calling?
that you should co-operate with me with such divine power.

Today I praise and proclaim your name in all places, -
not only when things go well -  but also in times of stress.
Whether I  receive  good or ill I return thanks equally to God
who taught me always to trust you unreservedly.

God’s answer to my prayer
inspired me in these latter days to undertake this holy
and wonderful work in spite of my  ignorance,
and to imitate in some way those who, as the Lord foretold,
would preach the Good News
as a witness to all nations before the end of the world.

We saw it that way, and it happened that way.
We are indeed witnesses that the Good News is preached
in  distant parts—in places beyond which no one lives

Dedication of our Prayer Time
O God, at the beginning of this time of prayer,
I lift up to you  my heart overflowing with gratitude
for the many gifts and blessings that you have given me.
I dedicate this time of worship and prayer
as an offering for the welfare, good health and personal needs of . . .
I ask that all those persons who are in need this day,
especially those who are close to my heart,
may also be refreshed and strengthened
by the rivers of grace that shall flow from this place of prayer.
I lift up those who are oppressed or living in fear,
who are without hope or devoid of dreams, into your divine heart.
May your Holy Spirit take me by the hand
and lead me deep into the centre of my heart,
into your loving presence.

Thanks        
Happy those who give thanks for the years that are gone,
Christ will walk with them in the evening of life.
Lord, the years are passing. The evening of life is near for me. Hear now my prayer of thanks for all that has been.

You walked with me in the morning of my life. I was young and often thoughtless. But now I have time to reflect on your goodness and love.

Your presence, your goodness, your love was there in the life you gave me, in the energy and health of mind and body, in the knowledge and skills I learned, in all the growing years of my youth. Praise and thanks to you.

Every sunrise was a gift of another day to live. Each passing season showed me new depths of the beauty and life-giving power of the earth and the sea.

The meadows, the cornfields, the singing birds, the ocean waves sang their praises to you. I join my voice to theirs to say thanks. Glory to you who made all things and filled my heart with wonder.

And if my eyes were not always open to your creation, let my
prayer today redeem the wasted days of my youth.

You were with me especially in my home, my family,  friends and companions.  How much I owe them now for the love they gave, the values they taught me, the laughter we shared, the burdens we shouldered together, the hopes and dreams they inspired. Above all, I give thanks for the faith they handed on to me. Lord, keep me true to the values and the faith that I received.

Autumn Psalm
O season of Autumn, be my teacher,
for I wish to learn the virtue of contentment.
As I gaze upon your full-coloured beauty,
I sense all about you an at-homeness with your amber riches.

You are the season of retirement, of full barns and harvested fields.
The cycle of growth has ceased,
and the busy work of giving life is now completed.
I sense in you no regrets: you’ve lived a full life.

I live in a society that is ever-restless,
always eager for more mountains to climb,
seeking happiness through more and more possessions.
As a child of my culture,
I am seldom truly at peace with what I have.
Teach me to take stock of what I have given and received;
may I know that it’s enough, that my striving can cease
in the abundance of God’s grace.

May I know the contentment that allows the totality of my energies
to come to full flower.
May I know that, like you, I am rich beyond measure.

As you, O Autumn, take pleasure in your great bounty,
let me also take delight in the abundance of the simple things of life
which are the true source of joy.
With the golden glow of peaceful contentment
may I truly appreciate this autumn day.

At the end of this day I sing a song of   ——-
for the wonder of life.
I lift up my voice in gratitude for all this day has held for me
as I turn my memory to its flood of gifts, . . . . . . .
 
All:     Blessed are you, Divine Mystery
who has chosen to dwell within me and has enriched this day
with zestful life, beauty, love
and the discipline of my trials and temptations.
Blessed are you, O God.

Intercessions
Gathered together in Christ, let us call to mind God’s many blessings and ask him hear the prayers which he himself inspires us to ask.

· That we may be attentive to God’s voice calling us to service.

· That our leaders may respect and empower those they serve.

· For those among us and in our wider community who feel loneliness and isolation at this time.

· That we may come to know and accept what we are being called to do by God.

· For all of us gathered here, that God will teach us to use wisely the good things he has given us, that they may lead us closer to him.

· We pray for all those who have been examples for us in their lives and who now share the joy of heaven . . . . . . .  May they rest in peace.

Our Father

Final Prayer
God and Father of all gifts, we praise you, the source of all we have and are. Teach us to acknowledge always the many good things your infinite love has given us. Help us to love you with all our heart and all our strength. Grant, O Lord, that as we leave this house of prayer we may not leave your presence. Be ever near us and keep us close to you, now and forever. Amen. 
 

Come, Lord Jesus,
“Come, and make all things new!”

All:   Let us remember that we are in the presence of God who comes to save us! In the name of our God who is three in one, the creator, the redeemer and the sanctifier.  Amen.

Introduction: 
Advent is the beginning of the Church’s year of grace. Too often considered merely a season of preparation for the annual commemoration of Christ’s birth, this rich season is actually designed to prepare the Christian for the glorious possibilities of Christ’s second coming. It is a season of longing expectation.

Readings
1. In the beginning, when God created the universe, the earth was formless and desolate. The raging ocean that covered everything was engulfed in total darkness, and the power of God was moving over the water. Then God commanded, “Let there be light” - and Light appeared.             [Genesis 1]

2. Before the world was created, the Word already existed; He was with God, and  He was the same as God. From the very beginning the Word was with God. Through Him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without Him. The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to the world. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.    [John 1:1-5]. 

3. For centuries the world waited, waited in darkness for the Light  to appear. For generations, holy men and women cried out to God in prayer for the coming of their Messiah. “How long, O Lord, must we wait? Have you forgotten us?”

4. The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which He received as God’s only Son. Out of the fullness of His grace He has blessed us all, giving us one blessing after another.   [John 1:14-16]

The “O” Antiphons
As the season of Advent begins, let us recall the long centuries during which humanity longed for the coming of their Saviour. Let us relive that expectation as we sing this ancient song of Advent.

1. Jesus is our Emmanuel, “God with us”, promised when our first parents became exiles from God and captives of sin. Because we desire Him among us, we sing: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!!”

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

2. Jesus is the Word and Wisdom of God for all eternity. We sing the praises of him who existed before the world began: “Come, O Wisdom!”

O come now, Wisdom from on high,
Who orders all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show
And teach us in your way to go.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

3. The God of might appeared amid the flames of the burning bush on Mount Sinai. We ask God to make us worthy to enter the Promised Land. We call to God: “Come, O Lord of might!”

O come, O come, our Lord of might,
Who to your tribes on Sinai’s height
In ancient times did give the law
In cloud and majesty and awe.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

4. Jesus is the Flower of Jesse’s root. No greater flower bloomed on the family tree of Jesse, King David’s father. Jesus would become the tree of life which brings us salvation, and so we pray: “Come, O Flower of Jesse’s stem!”

O come now, flower of Jesse’s stem,
From every foe deliver them
That trust your mighty power to save,
And give them victory o’er the grave.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

5. Jesus is the Key of David. He came to unlock the prison of death and release us from the bonds of sin. We are grateful that He gave us freedom as we sing:  “Come, O Key of David!”

O come now, Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that sets us free,
And close the path to misery.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Intercessions.

 · Jesus Christ is the joy and happiness of all who look forward to his coming. Let us call upon him and say:
R/.  Come, Lord, and do not delay!

 · In joy, we wait for your coming,  
R/.    Come, Lord Jesus.

 · Before time began, you shared life with the Father, 
R/.   Come now and save us.

 · You created the world and all who live in it,  
R/.  Come, to redeem the work of your hands.

 · You did not hesitate to become man, subject to death,  
R/.   Come to free us from the power of death.

 · You came to give us life to the full, 
R/.    Come and give us your unending life.

 · You desire all people to live in love in your kingdom,   
 R/.   Come and bring together those who long to see you

· Other intentions . . . . .

Our Father

Final Prayer
O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your beloved Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Dedication of our Prayer Time
O God, at the beginning of this time of prayer, we lift up to you our hearts overflowing with gratitude for the many gifts and blessings that you have given us. We ask that all persons who are in need this day, especially those who are close to our hearts, may also be refreshed and strengthened by the rivers of grace that shall flow from this place of prayer. We lift up all those who are oppressed or living in fear, who are without hope or devoid of dreams, into your divine heart. May your Holy Spirit take us by the hand and lead us deep into the centre of our hearts, into your Holy of Holies.  Amen.

Christ's Presence in our Life
Christ be with me,
Christ within me,
Christ behind me,
Christ before me,
Christ beside me,
Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ in quiet,
Christ in the hearts of all that love me,
Christ in the mouth of friend and stranger.

 Prayer
Living God, though this may be the final setting of the sun, the work of day done,
we gather now to listen to your word. Draw us into your peace; Settle our soul;
Let us take hold of today and cede it back to you.  Amen.

Scripture Reading   (Deuteronomy 15:7-11)
There is someone impoverished among you, one of us, in whatever town or place your creator has freely given you to grow in. Do not close your heart or hand against that heart and hand. Open yourself  - heart and hand  - and give enough to meet their needs. Do not be mean-spirited when the chance is at your finger-tips. Do not say, “I will wait till the time is right”. That time is now. When you give, give without resentment, as the Creator gives to you, even when you are least worthy. God will bless your giving. Of course the poor will never cease coming. They are God’s gift, to open us to them and to God. I command you, then: open yourself  -  not just to those who have a claim on you. To anyone who asks. Anyone. Because Anyone is a disguise for God.

Response
God of love, teach me to be generous,
to give and not to count the cost,
to strive and not to heed the wounds,
to labour and not to ask for rest,
to toil and not to seek reward,
except knowing that I do your will.

O God, you have shadowed me today, at my side, sharing.
For all that has been  -  Thanks!
To all that shall be  -  Yes!.   Amen.

Intercessions:
Let us praise God who at various times and places has revealed his love to us. Let us give thanks for the message of Jesus who has taught us that God is a loving parent who will never forsake us.

1.   Let us give thanks for all those who have shown God’s love to the world through lives of unselfish service to those in need. We give thanks for those who have served the Church in the Religious Life, especially those of our own congregation.  Lord,  hear us.      R/ .  Lord, graciously hear us.

2.  Let us give thanks for our families, for our parents, for our brothers and sisters, who have surrounded us with love and taught us to love others in return.  We give thanks for those family members who have departed this life and who now see God face to face. May they accompany us on life’s path and support us on the journey.
Lord, hear us.      R/.

3.  Let us pray for those who manage, teach, and support our mission in the schools, enabling young people to find a dignified way of life and to live their lives to the full, free from the slavery of addictions and compulsions.
Lord,  hear us.     R/.

4. Let us pray for those who reach out to the refugee and to those in prison. Let us also pray for those who work for the relief of hunger and disease and who strive to relieve the concerns of the homeless.
Lord,  hear us.     R/.

5. We pray for our dead as we remember them . . . 

Our Father . . . 

Final Prayer
O God, we bring ourselves together this evening to remind ourselves of your all-embracing presence, to reflect upon our relationship with you, and to grow in our love for you and for each other.
We bring with us all our uncertainties and false tracks, our loves and cares, our successes and failures, our sorrows and hopes.
Give us the grace to be able to hear you speaking in the midst of our busy lives.
Help us to be sensitive to the grace-filled moments of our day and give us the strength and faith to turn our awareness of you into actions that build up your people and help establish your Kingdom in the world.
We make this prayer through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord and Brother, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

 Aim:  To reflect on the coming of Jesus in time into the world, and on his continuous coming into our lives every day and his final coming when we will share his glory.

 1. Short introduction by leader on the meaning of Advent, stressing the three-fold coming mentioned above.

 2. Prayer:  God our Father, today we come together to celebrate the promise of the coming of your Son. Your people remembered your promise and waited hundreds of years for the coming of the Saviour. They were told to get ready for him. We too, want to get ready for the celebration of his coming at Christmas. Help us during this celebration and all through Advent to prepare ourselves for this great day.

 3. First Reading:    Jer. 33:13-16

 4. Response:   Ps. 79

God of Hosts bring us back,
Let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.

 5. Second Reading:  Luke 7:19—23

 6. Shared Homily:    Introduced by Leader.

What does the reading from Jeremiah say to us? The first reading at Mass on each of the four Sundays of Advent is one of the prophets telling the people of God that he cares for them, that He is powerful and will send a Messiah to save them. Jesus has come into the world—but when he came most people missed him. Why? Consider how Christ comes to us today.

 7. Prayers of the Faithful

 8.    Prayer: 
Deliver us, O Lord, from every evil and grant us peace in our day. In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
 
see also

The empty Crib  -  a call to service

Aim:  To remind us that Advent can be a time to prepare for the coming of the Lord through service to others.

Materials:  *  a fairly large empty crib

                     *  a tape recorder / suitable tape

                     *  strips of yellow paper / pencils
Procedure: 

1.   Gather everyone around the empty crib.

Play some soft music.

Someone reads slowly the following:-

The empty crib reminds us that the Advent season is a time of waiting, a time of waiting for the Christ Child to be born on Christmas day.  We wait, and we hope for this special day, but Advent is a time for more than waiting.  It is also a time for taking action.  John the Baptist tells us to “prepare the way for the Lord.”  [Mk. 1:3].  We remember how lucky we are in many ways, and  of the need for us to help other, less fortunate people.

 2.   Hand out pencils and strips of paper. Ask each to think of one thing they will try to do during Advent to help others, to prepare the way for the Lord. Each writes his/her service pledge on the strip and places it (like straw) on the crib. Conclude by asking all to join in a little prayer for the less fortunate in our society. The prayer could be repeated at intervals during the Advent season.
 
- from Hanowski: Vine and Branches, St. Mary’s Press

 Thanks 

Happy those who give thanks for the years that are gone,
Christ will walk with them in the evening of life

Lord, the years are passing. The evening of life is near for me. Hear now my prayer of thanks for all that has been.You walked with me in the morning of my life. I was young and often thoughtless. But now I have time to reflect on your goodness and love.
Your presence, your goodness, your love was there in the life you gave me, in the energy and health of mind and body, in the knowledge and skills I learned, in all the growing years of my youth. Praise and thanks to you.
Every sunrise was a gift of another day to live. Each passing season showed me new depths of the beauty and life-giving power of the earth and the sea.
The meadows, the cornfields, the singing birds, the ocean waves sang their praises to you. I join my voice to theirs to say thanks. Glory to you who made all things and filled my heart with wonder.
And if my eyes were not always open to your creation, let my prayer today redeem the wasted days of my youth.
You were with me especially in my home, my family,  friends and companions.  How much I owe them now for the love they gave, the values they taught me, the laughter we shared, the burdens we shouldered together, the hopes and dreams they inspired. Above all, I give thanks for the faith they handed on to me. Lord, keep me true to the values and the faith that I received.

Brief reflection

 Sharing

 Happy those who give and ask no return,
They have eternal riches.

Lord, give me your sense of values. In the evening of life I do not wish to be found poor in those things that matter most to you. Too many people have wasted their lives in search of happiness, but  never found it.They gathered money and kept it. They found reasons for not sharing, blaming the poor for their poverty, while taking credit for their own honest toil. But late in life they realised they had taken a wrong turn. They saw money was not the source of happiness but the thief of happiness, robbing them of peace and joy and trust, and filling their days with guilt and anxiety.

If only they had known that we are made rich, not by what we keep, but by what we give away for love. The rich earth provides sufficient for all, but many starve. They are our brothers and sisters destined for the same heaven we hope for. How will we meet them face to face if we have turned a deaf ear to their cries? How will they greet us if we have walked away from them in their hour of need?

If you see your brother hungry, you said, feed him. If you see him trapped in poverty or debt help him out if you can. How can you possibly harden your heart against a fellow human being who is no stranger but a sister or brother?

May I never forget that what I do to others I do to you.

FRIENDSHIP

 Introduction

 In this short prayer service we thank God for the friends we have and we

 pray for them. Friendship is something all of us want and all of us look for. In

 friendship we share our lives with another. We are there for them in good

 times and in bad. We help our friend in times of trouble, and share his successes

 and joys.

               Life without friends is a lonely life, and all too many find it like that. We

 need to care for our friends, to give them our time by being together with them,

 to talk to them.

               Friendship doesn’t grow automatically. It grows with time spent together,

 with forgiveness after misunderstandings. It grows with trust in one another.

              God is the source of friendship.

        God’s love is made manifest in Jesus, who calls us his friends.

        You call us friends because you have made yourself known to us;

         Lord, have mercy.

        You are Son of God and friend of all.

        Christ, have mercy.

        You are with God, our friend, in the kingdom of heaven.

        Lord, have mercy.

       May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to life

       everlasting.

O       Opening Prayer

       Lord God, you are the source of all friendship.

       Help us to be good friends to each other;

       help us to offer friendship when we can to those who are lonely or in need.

       We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

          Reading [ 1 Cor.]

            Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous;

      Love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish;

      it does not take offence, and is not resentful.

      Love takes no pleasure in other peoples’ sins,

      but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse,

      to trust, to hope and to endure whatever comes.

            This is the word of the Lord.

      Response

      Lord, you search me and you know me,

       you know my resting and my rising,

       you discern my purpose from afar.

                        R/. We thank you for the wonder of friendship.

        For it was you who created my being,

        knit me together in my mother’s womb,

        I thank you for the wonder of my being,

        for the wonders of all your creation.

                        R/. We thank you for the wonder of friendship.

      
Reading [ Jn. 15:12]

            A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friend. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I shall not call you servants any more, because a servant does not know his master’s business; I call you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have learnt from my Father. What I command you is to love one another.

            This is the gospel of the Lord.

Intercessions . . .

Final Prayer

            Lord God, in Jesus you give us your own friendship. We thank you for this gift. Help us to cherish it and nourish it, and never demean it for anyone. Make us true friends in the name and the spirit of Jesus our Lord.