Proper Prayers for the 3rd Sunday after Epiphany (RCL Proper 3A, 26 January 2020)

Proper Prayers for RCL Epiphany 3A

Isaiah 9.1-4; Psalm 27.1, 5-13 (NRSV 27.1, 4-9); 1 Corinthians 1.10-18; Matthew 4.12-23

                                  

Collect of the Day

Almighty God, by grace alone you call us, and accept us in your service.  Strengthen us by your Spirit, and make us worthy of your call; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.  [1]

or

Lord God, your loving-kindness always goes before us and follows after us.  Summon us into your light, and direct our steps in the ways of goodness that come through the cross of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [2]

or

God of blazing light, through the power of the cross you shattered our darkness and set us free to live as your children.  Give us courage and conviction, so that we may joyfully turn and follow you, led by the light that shines through Jesus Christ our Saviour.  Amen.  [3]

or

God of all people, you sent your Son into our shadowed world.  May his dawning light give hope to the broken, the persecuted, the alien and the excluded, so that we might feel the kingdom drawing near and turn to follow him; through Jesus Christ, the morning star.  Amen.  [3]

or

God of our salvation, the splendour of your glory dispels the darkness of earth, for in Christ we behold the nearness of your kingdom.  Now make us quick to follow where he beckons, eager to embrace the tasks of the gospel.  We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.  Amen.  [4]

Prayer over the Gifts

Loving God, before the world began you called us.  Make holy all we offer you this day, and strengthen us in that calling.  We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.  Amen.  [1]

or

Holy God, gracious and merciful, you bring forth food from the earth and nourish your whole creation.  Turn our hearts toward those who hunger in any way, so that all may know your care; and prepare us now to feast on the bread of life, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

God of all creation, all you have made is good, and your love endures forever.  You bring forth bread from the earth and fruit from the vine.  Nourish us with these gifts, so that we might for the world signs of your gracious presence in Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

Blessed are you, O God, maker of all things.  Through your goodness  you have blessed us with these gifts:  our selves, our time and our possessions.  Use us, and what we have gathered, in feeding the world with your love, through the one who gave himself for us, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

God of mercy and grace, the eyes of all wait upon you,  and you open your hand in blessing.  Fill us with good things at your table, so that we may come to the help of all in need, through Jesus Christ, our redeemer and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

Merciful God, as grains of wheat scattered upon the hills were gathered together to become one bread, so let your church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into your kingdom, for yours is the glory through Jesus Christ, now and for ever.  Amen.  [3]

Preface

Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; you are the source of light and life for all your creation, you made us in your own image, and call us to new life in Jesus Christ our Saviour.  Therefore we praise you, joining our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.  [1]

or

Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; we give you thanks and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord, who on this first day of the week overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.  In our unending joy we echo on earth the song of the angels in heaven as we raise our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.  [1]

or

Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; by water and the Holy Spirit you have made us a holy people in Jesus Christ our Lord; you renew that mystery in bread and wine and nourish us, to show forth your glory in all the world.  Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the holy people who have served you in every age, we raise our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.  [1]

or

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Saviour Jesus Christ; who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.  And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:  [2]

Prayer after Communion

Gracious God, our hands have taken holy things; our lives have been nourished by the body of your Son.  May we who have eaten at this holy table be strengthened for service in your world.  We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.  Amen.  [1]

or

We give you thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us through the healing power of this gift of life.  In your mercy, strengthen us through this gift, in faith toward you and in fervent love toward one another; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

O God, we give you thanks that you have set before us this feast, the body and blood of your Son.  By your Spirit strengthen us to serve all in need and to give ourselves away as bread for the hungry, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

God of abundance, with this bread of life and cup of salvation you have united us with Christ, making us one with all your people.  Now send us forth in the power of your Spirit, so that we may proclaim your redeeming love to the world and continue forever in the risen life of Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

Gracious God, in this meal you have drawn us to your heart, and nourished us at your table with food and drink, the body and blood of Christ.  Now send us forth to be your people in the world, and to proclaim your truth this day and evermore, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

O God, our life, our strength, our food, we give you thanks for sustaining us with the body and blood of your Son.  By your Holy Spirit, enliven us to be his body in the world, so that more and more we will give you praise and serve your earth and its many peoples, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

Notes

[1]        The Book of Alternative Services 1985

[2]       Evangelical Lutheran Worship 2006

[2a]     Evangelical Lutheran Worship:  Leaders Desk Edition 2006

[3]       Alternative Collects for Years A, B & C of the RCL and Seasonal Prayers over the Gifts and after Communion 2019

[4]        Opening Prayers:  Collects in Contemporary Language 1997

[5]        Prayers for an Inclusive Church 2009

[6]        Revised Common Lectionary Prayers 2002

[7]        Book of Occasional Services 2003

N.B.  Text in italics are possible alternatives suggested by the Ven. Richard Geoffrey Leggett, Ph.D.

Proper Prayers for Epiphany A (6 January 2020)

The Feast of the Epiphany may be celebrated on the Sunday before Epiphany or on the day itself.  These prayers may be used on Sunday, 5 January 2020.

Proper Prayers for RCL Christmas 2

Isaiah 60.1-6; Psalm 72.1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3.1-12; Matthew 2.1-12

Collect of the Day

Eternal God, who by a star led wise men/the magi to the worship of your Son.  Guide by your light the nations of the earth, that/so that the whole world may know your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.  [1]

or

O God, on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of a star.  Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives, and bring us at last to the full vision of your glory, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.  [2]

or

Almighty and ever-living God, you revealed the incarnation of your Son by the brilliant shining of a star.  Shine the light of your justice always in our hearts and over all lands, and accept our lives as the treasure we offer in your praise and for your service, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.  [2]

or

Everlasting God, the radiance of all faithful people, you brought the nations to the brightness of your rising.  Fill the world with your glory, and show yourself to all the world through him who is the true light and the bright morning star, your Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.  [2]

or

Creator of the heavens, who led the Magi by a star to worship the Christ-child:  guide and sustain us, so that we may find our journey’s end in Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

Lord God of the nations, we have seen the star of your glory rising in splendour.  The radiance of your incarnate Word pierces the darkness that covers the earth and signals the dawn of peace and justice.  Make radiant the lives of your people with that same brightness, and beckon all nations to walk as one in your light.  We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the splendour of eternal light, God for ever and ever.  Amen.  [4]

or

Shepherd of Israel and Light of all Nations, made known in the gifts of those who call to other names and walk on different ways:  may unjust powers and the hatred within us be dismayed by your friendship and dethroned by your love; through Jesus Christ, the open arms of grace.  Amen.  [5]

or

O God of light and peace, whose glory, shining in the child of Bethlehem, still draws the nations to yourself:  dispel the darkness that shrouds our path, that/so that we may come to kneel before Christ in true worship, offer him our hearts and souls, and return from his presence to live as he has taught; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.  Amen.  [6 alt.]

or

Radiant Morning Star, you are both guidance and mystery.  Visit our rest with disturbing dreams, and our journeys with strange companions.  Grace us with the hospitality to open our hearts and homes to visitors filled with unfamiliar wisdom bearing profound and unusual gifts; for with Christ and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, God for ever and ever.  Amen.  [6 alt.]

or

Bright Morning Star, your light has come, and the birth of Jesus has overwhelmed us with joy.  Like the magi of long ago, may we be drawn to you and offer you such gifts as we are able; for with Christ and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, God for ever and ever.  Amen.  [6]

Prayer over the Gifts

Gracious God, accept the offering of your Church, the hearts of your people joined in praise and thanksgiving, in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.  Amen.  [1]

or

Good and loving God, we rejoice in the birth of Jesus, who came among the poor to bring the riches of your grace.  As you have blessed us with your gifts, let them be blessing for others.  With the trees of the field, with all earth and heaven, we shout for joy at the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [2]

Preface

Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; you have revealed your eternal plan of salvation, and have shown your Son Jesus Christ to be the light of all peoples.  Therefore with angels and archangels we raise our voices in joyful praise to proclaim the glory of your name.  [1]

or

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Saviour Jesus Christ.  By the leading of a star he was shown forth to all nations; in the waters of the Jordan you proclaimed him your beloved Son, and in the miracle of water turned to wine he revealed your glory.  And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:  [2]

The Breaking of the Bread

We break the bread of life, and that life is the light of the world.

God here among us, light in the midst of us, bring us to light and life.  [1]

Prayer after Communion

God of all the nations of the earth, guide us with your light.  Help us to recognize Christ as he comes to us in this eucharist and in our neighbours.  May we welcome him with love, for he is Lord now and for ever.  Amen.  [1]

or

Radiant God, with our eyes we have seen your salvation, and in this meal we have feasted on your grace.  May your Word take flesh in us, that/so that we may be your holy people, revealing your glory made known to us in Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [2]

Blessing

May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin and brighten your hearts with holiness; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [1]

or

May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin and brighten your hearts with holiness; and the blessing of God almighty, the Author of creation, the Word of redemption and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [1 alt.]

or

May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin and brighten your hearts with holiness; and the blessing of God almighty, the Source of all being, the Word of redemption and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [1 alt.]

or

May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin and brighten your hearts with holiness; and the blessing of God almighty, the Holy One of Israel, the Word of God incarnate and the Power of the Most High, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [1 alt.]

or

May the Holy One of Israel, who led the magi by the shining of a star to find the Christ, the Light from Light, lead you also, in your pilgrimage, to find the Lord; and the blessing of God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always.  Amen.  [7 alt.]

or

May the Holy One of Israel, who led the magi by the shining of a star to find the Christ, the Light from Light, lead you also, in your pilgrimage, to find the Lord; and the blessing of God, the Author of creation, the Word of redemption and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [7 alt.]

or

May the God of the prophets, who led the magi by the shining of a star to find the Christ, the Light from Light, lead you also, in your pilgrimage, to find the Lord; and the blessing of God, the Holy One of Israel, the Word of God incarnate and the Power of the Most High, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [7 alt.]

or

May the Holy One of Israel, who led the magi by the shining of a star to find the Christ, the Light from Light, lead you also, in your pilgrimage, to find the Lord; and the blessing of God, the Father, the Author of creation, the Word of redemption and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [7 alt.]

Notes

[1]        The Book of Alternative Services 1985

[2]       Evangelical Lutheran Worship 2006

[2a]     Evangelical Lutheran Worship:  Leaders Desk Edition 2006

[3]       Alternative Collects for Years A, B & C of the RCL and Seasonal Prayers over the Gifts and after Communion 2019

[4]        Opening Prayers:  Collects in Contemporary Language 1997

[5]        Prayers for an Inclusive Church 2009

[6]        Revised Common Lectionary Prayers 2002

[7]        Book of Occasional Services 2003

N.B.  Text in italics are possible alternatives suggested by the Ven. Richard Geoffrey Leggett, Ph.D.

Proper Prayers for the 2nd Sunday after Christmas (5 January 2020)

For those congregations not keeping Epiphany on 5 January 2020.

Proper Prayers for RCL Christmas 2

Jeremiah 31.7-14 or Sirach 24.1-12; Psalm 147.12-20 (BAS 147.13-21) or Wisdom 10.15-21 (as a canticle); Ephesians 1.3.14; John 1.(1-9), 10-18

Collect of the Day

God of power and life, the glory of all who believe in you, fill the world with your splendour and show the nations the light of your truth; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.  [1]

or

Almighty God, you have filled all the earth with the light of your incarnate Word.  By your grace empower us to reflect your light in all that we do, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.  [2]

or

O God our redeemer, you created light that we might live, and you illumine our world with your beloved Son.  By your Spirit comfort us in all darkness, and turn us toward the light of Jesus Christ our Saviour, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.  [2]

or

Almighty God, you have filled all the earth with the light of your incarnate Word.  By your grace empower us to reflect your image in all that we do, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.  [3]

or

Gracious God, you have redeemed us through Jesus Christ, the first-born of all creation, whose birth we celebrate in the child of Bethlehem.  Grant us every spiritual blessing, so that we may live as your adopted children and witness to your glory with praise and thanksgiving, now and for ever.  Amen.  [3]

or

God most high, your only Son embraced the weakness of our flesh to give us the power to become your children; your eternal Word chose to well among us, that/so that  we might live in your presence.  Grant us a spirit of wisdom to know how rich is the glory you have made our own, and how great the hope to which we are called in Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the splendour of eternal  light, God for ever and ever.  Amen.  [4]

or

Hidden God, who made the face of Moses shine with the gift of your friendship:  teach us the law of love, carried by breath of spirit and planted in hearts of flesh that/so that we might be children again and world restored to you; through Jesus Christ, the Glory of God.  Amen.  [5]

Prayer over the Gifts

Source of love and life, receive all we offer you this day, and through the coming of your Son, help us to see in others him who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.  [1]

or

Good and loving God, we rejoice in the birth of Jesus, who came among the poor to bring the riches of your grace.  As you have blessed us with your gifts, let them be blessing for others.  With the trees of the field, with all earth and heaven, we shout for joy at the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [2]

Preface

Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; we give you thanks and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord, who in the mystery of his incarnation was made perfect man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; in him we have seen a new and radiant vision of your glory.  Therefore with all the angels of heaven, we lift our voices and sing our joyful hymn of praise to proclaim the glory of your name.  [1]

or

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Saviour Jesus Christ.  In the wonder and mystery of the Word made flesh you have opened the eyes of faith to a new and radiant vision of your glory, that beholding the God made visible, we may be drawn to love the God whom we cannot see.  And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:  [2]

The Breaking of the Bread

We break the bread of life, and that life is the light of the world.

God here among us, light in the midst of us, bring us to light and life.  [1]

Prayer after Communion

Light eternal, you have nourished us in the mystery of the body and blood of your Son.  By your grace keep us ever faithful to your word, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [1]

or

Radiant God, with our eyes we have seen your salvation, and in this meal we have feasted on your grace.  May your Word take flesh in us, that/so that we may be your holy people, revealing your glory made known to us in Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [2]

Blessing

May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin and brighten your hearts with holiness; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [1]

or

May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin and brighten your hearts with holiness; and the blessing of God almighty, the Author of creation, the Word of redemption and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [1 alt.]

or

May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin and brighten your hearts with holiness; and the blessing of God almighty, the Source of all being, the Word of redemption and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [1 alt.]

or

May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin and brighten your hearts with holiness; and the blessing of God almighty, the Holy One of Israel, the Word of God incarnate and the Power of the Most High, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [1 alt.]

or

May Christ, who by his Incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, fill you with his joy and peace; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always.  Amen.  [7]

or

May Christ, who by his Incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, fill you with his joy and peace; and the blessing of God almighty, the Author of creation, the Word of redemption and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [7 alt.]

or

May Christ, who by his Incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, fill you with his joy and peace; and the blessing of God almighty, the Holy One of Israel, the Word of God incarnate and the Power of the Most High, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [7 alt.]

or

May Christ, who by his Incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, fill you with his joy and peace; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Author of creation, the Word of redemption and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [7 alt.]

Notes

[1]        The Book of Alternative Services 1985

[2]       Evangelical Lutheran Worship 2006

[2a]     Evangelical Lutheran Worship:  Leaders Desk Edition 2006

[3]       Alternative Collects for Years A, B & C of the RCL and Seasonal Prayers over the Gifts and after Communion 2019

[4]        Opening Prayers:  Collects in Contemporary Language 1997

[5]        Prayers for an Inclusive Church 2009

[6]        Revised Common Lectionary Prayers 2002

[7]        Book of Occasional Services 2003

N.B.  Text in italics are possible alternatives suggested by the Ven. Richard Geoffrey Leggett, Ph.D.

Proper Prayers for the 1st Sunday after Christmas (Year A: 29 December 2019)

Proper Prayers for RCL Christmas 1A

Isaiah 63.7-9; Psalm 148; Hebrews 2.10-18; Matthew 2.13-23

Collect of the Day

Almighty God, you have shed upon us the new light of your incarnate Word.  May this light, enkindled in our hearts, shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.  [1]

or

O Lord God, you know that cannot place our trust in our own powers.  As you protected the infant Jesus, so defend us and all the needy from harm and adversity, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.  [2]

or

Loving God, guardian of our homes, when you entrusted your Son to the care of Mary and Joseph, you did not spare them the pains that touch the life of every family.  Teach us to rely on your word, that/so that in our trials as in our joys we may be clothed in gentleness and patience and united in love.  Make us ever thankful for the blessings you give us through Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the splendour of eternal light, God for ever and ever.  Amen.  [4]

or

God of the refugees, sharing the exile road with all who flee the violence that enslaves and kills:  as your Son sought asylum in a foreign land make us ready to welcome the refugee and receive from her a new language of life and hope; through Jesus Christ, Rachel’s child.  Amen.  [5]

or

Praise is our cry, O Holy One of Israel, for you have come among us and borne our burdens.  Give us open hearts, that/so that we might embrace our suffering sisters and brothers, and welcome Jesus in the hospitality we show to exiles; through Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the splendour of eternal light, God for ever and ever.  Amen.  [6]

Prayer over the Gifts

God of light, in the birth of your Son/Jesus we see your glory.  May we who share in this mystery grow daily in your love.  This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord/Jesus, the Word made flesh.  Amen.  [1]

or

Good and loving God, we rejoice in the birth of Jesus, who came among the poor to bring the riches of your grace.  As you have blessed us with your gifts, let them be blessing for others.  With the trees of the field, with all earth and heaven, we shout for joy at the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [2]

Preface

Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; we give you thanks and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord, who in the mystery of his incarnation was made perfect man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; in him we have seen a new and radiant vision of your glory.  Therefore with all the angels of heaven, we lift our voices and sing our joyful hymn of praise to proclaim the glory of your name.  [1]

or

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Saviour Jesus Christ.  In the wonder and mystery of the Word made flesh you have opened the eyes of faith to a new and radiant vision of your glory, that beholding the God made visible, we may be drawn to love the God whom we cannot see.  And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:  [2]

The Breaking of the Bread

We break the bread of life, and that life is the light of the world.

God here among us, light in the midst of us, bring us to light and life.  [1]

Prayer after Communion

Faithful God, we thank you for feeing us with this heavenly banquet.  Help us always to hear the prophet’s call to turn our hearts to you; in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.  Amen.  [1]

or

Radiant God, with our eyes we have seen your salvation, and in this meal we have feasted on your grace.  May your Word take flesh in us, that/so that we may be your holy people, revealing your glory made known to us in Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [2]

Blessing

May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin and brighten your hearts with holiness; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [1]

or

May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin and brighten your hearts with holiness; and the blessing of God almighty, the Author of creation, the Word of redemption and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [1 alt.]

or

May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin and brighten your hearts with holiness; and the blessing of God almighty, the Source of all being, the Word of redemption and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [1 alt.]

or

May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin and brighten your hearts with holiness; and the blessing of God almighty, the Holy One of Israel, the Word of God incarnate and the Power of the Most High, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [1 alt.]

Notes

[1]        The Book of Alternative Services 1985

[2]       Evangelical Lutheran Worship 2006

[2a]     Evangelical Lutheran Worship:  Leaders Desk Edition 2006

[3]      Alternative Collects for Years A, B & C of the RCL and Seasonal Prayers over the Gifts and after Communion 2019

[4]        Opening Prayers:  Collects in Contemporary Language 1997

[5]        Prayers for an Inclusive Church 2009

[6]        Revised Common Lectionary Prayers 2002

[7]        Book of Occasional Services 2003

N.B.  Text in italics are possible alternatives suggested by the Ven. Richard Geoffrey Leggett, Ph.D.

Proper Prayers and Blessings for Advent 2A (8 December 2019)

Proper Prayers for RCL Advent 2A

Isaiah 11.1-10; Psalm 72.1-7, 18-19; Romans 15.4-13; Matthew 3.1-12

Collect of the Day

Almighty God, who sent your servant John the Baptist to prepare your people to welcome the Messiah, inspire us, the ministers and stewards of your truth, to turn our disobedient hearts to you, that/so that when the Christ shall come again to be our judge, we may stand with confidence before his glory; who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.  [1]

or

Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son.  By his coming nurture our growth as people of repentance and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.  [2]

or

God of justice, clear our lives of hatred and despair and sow in us seeds of joy and peace; so that shoots of hope may spring forth in us as we await the coming of the Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.  [3]

or

Almighty God, purify our hearts and minds, so that when your Son Jesus Christ comes again as judge and saviour, we may be ready to receive him, who is our Lord and our God.  Amen.  [3]

or

Your kingdom is at hand, O God of justice and peace; you made John the Baptist its herald to announce the coming of your Christ, who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and with fire.  Give us a spirit of repentance to make us worthy of the kingdom.  Let complacency yield to conviction, that/so that in our day justice will flourish and conflict give way to the peace you bestow in Christ.  Grant this through him whose coming is certain, whose day draws near:  your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.  Amen.  [4]

or

God of the keen blade, which cuts the roots or arrogant power:  you raise voices of promise in the dry lands of our desire, children of faith from the stones of the earth; make us ready to receive the Spirit and the fire of love wild and fierce and free; through Jesus Christ, the one who is to come.  Amen.  [5]

or

God of timeless grace, you fill us with joyful expectation.  Make us ready for the message that prepares the way, that/so that with uprightness of heart and holy joy we may eagerly await the kingdom of your Son, Jesus Christ, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever.  Amen.  [6]

or

Labouring God, with axe and winnowing fork you clear a holy space where hurt and destruction have no place, and a little child holds sway.  Clear our lives and hatred and despair, sow seeds of joy and peace, that/so thatshoots of hope may spring forth and we may live in harmony with one another; for we ask in the name of the One who is coming.  Amen.  [6]

Prayer over the Gifts

God our strength, we are nothing without you.  Receive all we offer you this day as you sustain us with your mercy; in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [1]

or

God of abundance, we bring before you the precious fruits of your creation, and with them our very lives.  Teach us patience and hope as we care for all those in need until the coming of your Son, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [2]

Preface

Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; we give you thanks and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord, who in the fullness of time came among us in our flesh, and opened to us the way of salvation.  Now we watch for the day when he will come again in power and great triumph to judge this world, that/so that we, without shame or fear, may rejoice to behold his appearing.  Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your name.  [1]

or

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Saviour Jesus Christ.  You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer, though whom you will also make all things new in the day when he comes to judge the world in righteousness.  And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn.  [2]

The Breaking of the Bread

God of promise, you prepare a banquet for us in your kingdom.

Happy are those who are called to the supper of the Lamb.  [1]

Prayer after Communion

Faithful God, we thank you for feeing us with this heavenly banquet.  Help us always to hear the prophet’s call to turn our hearts to you; in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.  Amen.  [1]

or

God for whom we wait, in this meal you give us a foretaste of that day when the hungry will be fed with good things.  Send us forth to make known your deeds and to proclaim the greatness of your name, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [2]

Blessing

Be steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, and untiring in love all the days of your life; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [1]

or

Be steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, and untiring in love all the days of your life; and the blessing the holy and undivided Trinity, the Author of creation, the Word of redemption and the Spirit of wisdom, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [1 alt.]

or

May the Holy One of Israel, by whose providence our Redeemer came among us in great humility, sanctify you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and always.  Amen.  [7 alt.]

or

May the Holy One of Israel, by whose providence our Redeemer came among us in great humility, sanctify you in the name of the holy and undivided Trinity, the Author of creation, the Word of redemption and the Spirit of wisdom, now and always.  Amen.  [7 alt.]

or

May the Sun of righteousness shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [7 alt.]

or

May the Sun of righteousness shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path; and the blessing the holy and undivided Trinity, the Author of creation, the Word of redemption and the Spirit of wisdom, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.  [7 alt.]

Notes

[1]       The Book of Alternative Services 1985

[2]       Evangelical Lutheran Worship 2006

[2a]      Evangelical Lutheran Worship:  Leaders Desk Edition 2006

[3]       Alternative Collects for Years A, B & C of the RCL and Seasonal Prayers over the Gifts and after Communion 2019

[4]       Opening Prayers:  Collects in Contemporary Language 1997

[5]       Prayers for an Inclusive Church 2009

[6]       Revised Common Lectionary Prayers 2002

[7]       Book of Occasional Services 2003

N.B.  Text in italics are possible alternatives suggested by the Ven. Richard Geoffrey Leggett, Ph.D.