We have sung rather boldly: o come, o come, Emmanuel and now we seek to pray with that same audacity to you who are God with us: Emmanuel.
Come God of creation, into a world filled by those who search for ultimate meaning and for deeper understanding. Teach us through increased scientific understanding whether gained through projects as massive as the Hadron Collider or as simple as grade school science fair projects. May our quest for perspective be transformed as we lift up our eyes on high and see the Only Originator.
Come God of compassion, into our country confused by the challenges in our economy and divided by the idea of providing health care to all. Teach us through experiences of care that extend beyond socioeconomic status and across political parties. May our longing for answers be bounded by our embrace of the comfort God continues to offer to God’s people.
Come God of healing and wholeness, into our families and into this family of faith where relationships need mending and bodies long to be restored. Hear now our silent prayers for those we know personally and for all who appear on our congregational prayer list . . . Through those who sit beside us, now and in our toughest times, teach us about the power of presence.
Come God with us, come. May the world see you as you truly are: King of all kings, Lord of all lords, flesh of our flesh, and bone of our bone.
We respond to your presence by praying together the Lord’s Prayer . . .
Note: (1) an emphasis on Emmanuel (present throughout the liturgy) and (2) use of words/themes from the first reading (Isaiah 40:1 and 40:26) and response (John Bell’s He Became Poor)