The Second Sunday in Advent

We welcome you and invite you to join us in prayer with our written service for home worship this Second Sunday in Advent.

This written service includes the readings for today, prayers and intercessions, a psalm, hymns and an anthem. Should you wish to listen to our sermons, you can find recent sermons here.

Let us start by remembering Ukraine and other countries at war with this prayer:

Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed:kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all, the true love of peace and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth that in tranquillity your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Collect for Today

O Lord, raise up, we pray, your power and come among us, and with great might succour us; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness we are grievously hindered in running the race that is set before us, your bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit, be honour and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

The Intercessions

Gracious Heavenly Father, during the season of Advent in which we prepare to celebrate anew the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, grant us thankful hearts for the wonder of this great mystery. As we come before you with our prayers of intercession today, help us to reflect on its prediction by the prophets of old and on its confirmation as the foundation of our faith, recorded in the words of the New Testament. Grant us open hearts and minds to understand its call to us and, by the inspiration of Holy Spirit, the empowerment to make our positive response visible in the way we conduct our lives.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

We pray once more for all who have been impacted by the ravages of war and civil conflict. Speak to the conscience of those with the power to bring an end to ongoing cycles of violence and destruction. In dark days, kindle and revive a fresh spirit of hope that, with renewed resolve, peace may become re-established where war and violence hold sway. May open negotiation illuminate the pathway to resolve disputes between nations and communities.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Loving Father, our countries are experiencing new heights of economic uncertainty and distress. When trusted platforms of support become overloaded and uncertain, grant to our political leaders and governments the skill and wisdom to help with reassuring hand. Give them the insight to bring economic relief and redress, especially where people have neither opportunity nor options to help themselves. Grant also, as our Heads of State endeavour to update their status and roles in an ever-changing world, that they may help to attain social cohesion, justice, and stability, above the turmoil of party politics.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Lord, we often hear the statement that the future lies in the hands of our young people. In a time of growing mental health problems amongst the young, we pray to you for the welfare of the generation that will succeed us. We ask for your help for the leaders in education and healthcare so that they may discern the values and frameworks needed to ensure health, capability, and maturity in the upcoming generation.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

We pray for the work and witness of our Bishops and clergy. Today, Lord we commend to you the visit of Bishop Robert with the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Ukraine. As the harsh winter weather develops keep us mindful of the urgent needs of Ukrainian citizens and refugees. Grant that as a community we may find practical ways to contribute help and assistance.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

We give thanks for our diocesan relations and fellowship with the German Protestant Church. Help us to understand that with them we are called to give witness to the Gospel in a world that is sorely in need of its message of love.
And in our diocesan prayer cycle we also ask your blessing on our Locum Administrator, Emma Biaggi.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, in your earthly life you also experienced sorrow and pain. We pray that you will look upon the members of our chaplaincy and community who are sick and in suffering. We commend them to you for your comfort and healing, particularly…. and all for whom prayer is requested on our chaplaincy prayer list.
Grant everlasting rest to all who have passed from this mortal life (……) and we ask for strength and comfort for their bereaved families and friends.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

As we conclude our requests, let us reflect a moment, using St. Paul’s words for ourselves. ‘May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing, so that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit’.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers which we offer in the name of your Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Closing Hymn

Hymn 388 – Jesus shall reign, where’er the sun

Concluding Prayers

Father in heaven, who sent your Son to redeem the world and will send him again to be our judge: give us grace so to imitate him in the humility and purity of his first coming that, when he comes again, we may be ready to greet him with joyful love and firm faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.

The Second Sunday in Advent

The Collect for Today

Opening Hymn

The Readings

Hymn

The Anthem

The Intercessions

Closing Hymn

Concluding Prayers