Narrative Lectionary Year 4, Week 12
Nov. 28, 2021
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14; John 14:27
Opening Prayer
Jesus, you have promised not to leave us alone
and so we know that you are with us this hour.
Let our hearts be settled now by your peace so we can focus all of our
attention to you and you alone. Amen.
Prayer of Preparation
Lord of hosts, God of
all peoples, we come now seeking and searching with all of our hearts. Show us a glimpse of what the future of peace
and not evil, a future and a hope looks like as we take time to study your word
this morning. Amen
Offering Prayer
Father God, if your image is in all, then those who are most in need
also bear your image. We want to worship
you and so our gifts are given in your praise and honor with the prayer that
your peace would be given to all who seek you… through the work of this church
done in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Lord, we pray now for your peace upon this city where we live our lives
for 70ish years. This city is full of
people who are hurting in many ways.
They suffer from illness, grief, abuse, neglect, addiction, racism,
poverty, hunger, homelessness, death, and so much more. We call upon your holy name on their behalf,
knowing that you are listening. We pray,
Lord, that you would rescue them from their captivity to the evils they face. We pray, Lord, that we would be instruments
of your peace and that they would know that they have not been left alone, but
that you are always with them if only they cry out to you. We pray, Lord, that they would stop following
after false prophets. We pray, Lord,
that the number of people in this city who follow after you would increase and
not diminish, that they would flourish and that for generations to come, this
city would be one where you are found.
We pray it in Jesus’ name with His prayer: Our Father… Amen.
Benediction
The future and hope that God
knows for you
is waiting for us in the Holy Kingdom
This is the blessing of the
Father, Son, and Spirit that
shines upon us now, lifting us up and
giving us peace.
AMEN
Advent Wreath Lighting Readings
Option 1 for a couple
Person #1: I love this time of year when it’s time to start lighting
the advent wreath (lighting the first candle).
It means Christmas is coming.
Person #2: And winter too, with all the snow! It’s so peaceful (sighing happily).
Person #1: Oh, I hope we don’t get too much snow this winter. All that work of running the snow blower and
cleaning off the car!
Person #2: Yes, but isn’t it pretty when the Christmas lights reflect
off the snow.
Person #1: If I want to see a pretty reflection, I can just glance in
the mirror when you’re at the right place.
Person #2: Oh, aren’t you sweet.
You know, reflections in the mirror remind me about the image of God and
how it is in all of us.
Person #1: Knowing that God’s image is in me is really what is peaceful
for me. Not all that snow!
Person #2: To each their own…
Option 2 for a family as a skit
Dad: Oh, this is one we picked out together. I think you’ll like it.
Child: Hurry, Mom, open it!!!
Mom: Thank you, but first before I tear off the wrapping paper, I’m enjoying looking at the pictures on it. [Begin to carefully open the present] Oh, look, it’s the mirror I’ve been wanting.
Child: Yes, and I hope that it reminds you that when we see ourselves, we see the image of God.
Dad: But, we’ve broken that image through our sin and we need Jesus in our lives and His peace in our lives as we repent.
Mom: [sighing] And hasn’t that been true for so long for so many people… in fact, it was the sins of the nation that led the people of Judah to become captives in Babylon and why they had to hear the message of peace.
No comments:
Post a Comment