Greetings from the Foundation for Relief & Reconciliation in the Middle East

ADVENT 3

Prayers from Baghdad

The Spirit of The Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good tidings to the afflicted.
Isaiah 61.1.

God of power and mercy, you call us once again to celebrate the coming of your Son. We pray for our families and loved ones at this time when many of us are away from home. We pray for St George’s at this time and for all of us involved in the children’s party on Friday. Remove those things which hinder love of you, so that when Jesus comes, he may find us waiting in awe and wonder for him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

God of our hope, renew in us the joy of your salvation and make us all worthy servants of your great mission; fill us with unending joy and prepare us for the birthday of our Saviour, we ask this in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

O Morning Star, splendour of the light eternal and bright Son of righteousness: come and enlighten all who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death. LORD JESUS,COME SOON. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Those who follow me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”. Come, Lord Jesus.
Come quickly.

Creator of the universe, Source of all light, send you Son Jesus Christ to shine in this dark world. Help us to prepare our hearts to receive him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever.
Amen.

Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer want and anxiety from the lack of work and support. Guide the leaders of the world in the use of wealth and resources that every one may find suitable and fulfilling employment and a just reward for their labours, so that they may have support and nourishment of their families; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen.

O God, it is your will that in this Holy Season, and at all times, that we draw heaven and earth into a single peace. Let the design of your great love shine in the waste lands of our wrath and sorrow; give peace among the nations, peace here in Iraq, in Afghanistan, peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts and minds; through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Amen.

Heavenly Father bless our human nature and way of life with honest industry, truthful education and an honourable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, arrogance, confusion and evil actions. Make us who come from many nations, with many different languages, into a people united by your love and peace. Defend our liberties and give to those to whom we have entrusted authority, and power of government, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and strength, that there may be justice, peace, equity and prosperity in the world; give us thankful hearts and do not let our trust in you fail. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

May the Christ child keep you all in his love, bless you with his peace, fill you with his faith, heal you with his grace and focus your hope on things eternal.
Amen.

In a moment of silence or out loud we pray for those in need of our prayers…

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 those whom you love and pray for, now and always.
Amen

Tags: Advent 3, Prayers for Baghdad