A Prayer of Preparation

Reader:  Prepare the way for the Lord,

Congregation’s Response:  Make straight paths for Him

Father, You sent Jesus away from heaven to earth.  Before He came, You clearly told us to look for Him.  Many people spoke your message to prepare the World for His coming. 

There was Isaiah who said:  “Behold, the Lord God will come with might; For a child has been born for Us, the Gift of God’s son—for us.”

Reader:  Prepare the way for the Lord,

Congregation’s Response:  make straight paths for him

There was Simeon, in the temple, full of prayerful expectation.  He said:  “With my own eyes I've seen your salvation; Salvation is now out in the open for everyone to see.” 

There was also the prophetess, Anna, who full of worship, rejoiced when her hope of seeing salvation was fulfilled.  Father, help us to make our hearts a place of anticipation of our Coming Savior King.

Reader:  Prepare the way for the Lord,

Congregation’s Response:  make straight paths for him

Father, teach us how to be like John the Baptist, The Voice of One crying in the Wilderness.  By sharing with our family, friends and neighbors how to give forgiveness, be generous, do more that what is asked of us, we teach them how to make room for Jesus.  Lord, give us words and actions to this end.

Reader:  Prepare the way for the Lord,

Congregation’s Response:  make straight paths for him

Father, we remember those suffering in the world:  disease as a result of earthquakes, floods and volcanoes; those who are suffering with hunger due to famine; those whose only home is a cardboard box on the dirty streets of big cities. We ask you to show us practical things to help them.  May our hearts burn with Your prayers.  May our hands and feet be Your hands and feet.   Help us to find a way to touch them with your message.

Reader:  Prepare the way for the Lord,

Congregation’s Response:  make straight paths for him

Father, Your message is “Comfort My People.”  Send us to the people who are sad, lonely, hurting—in body and/or mind.  Give us words of hope and healing so that they can clearly understand that You can and will heal them.  Help us to comfort others as we have been comforted by You.  And by so doing, we clear the way for others to open their hearts to you.

Reader:  Prepare the way for the Lord,

Congregation’s Response:  make straight paths for him

Glorious and Gracious Father, thank You for this time of year as we prepare for Christmas.  Teach us how to give You time each day to prepare us for what we need to hear from you.  And when we have heard from you, help us to show others how to make a path straight to You.

In the Name of Jesus—the Coming King.  Amen