Prayers for Worship
Advent 3C
by Ron Gordon

Luke 3: 7-18

Collect:
 

God of mercy and justice, help us align our lives to bring forth fruits of peace and love. 
May our ways of responding to others always seek their good and bring understanding 
and generosity to our relationships, we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer:
 

Creator God, whose wonders surround us with mystery and delight, you are faithful 
and true in all your dealings with us, through the giving of the Law 
and in the words of the prophets.  You ask your people to have just attitudes 
and behaviour towards others: not to abuse, exploit or oppress others. 
Create in us clean hearts that are not diseased by pride, greed, or envy 
and the desire for possessions: Lord, have mercy.

Lord, Jesus, true Son of the Father, we ask you what then shall we do 
when it comes to acting justly towards others?  You call us to the freedom 
which loves others and will not harm them, but aid them towards fullness of life 
with you. When the demand on our generosity of spirit and of wealth overwhelms us, 
we will cry to you: Christ, have mercy.

Spirit who aids us in our weakness and broadens our vision to the needs of all our neighbours, 
help us see the folk around us as part of us, so that when one is in need, all suffer. 
Open our hearts and minds to include the struggles of others in our prayers and assistance, 
so that we know we belong to one another:  Lord, have mercy.

Most generous and merciful God hear our prayer, assure us of your forgiveness 
and lead us into new ways of serving you in loving and caring for others: 
we ask in the name of Jesus who gave himself to and for us all, and who with you 
and the Holy Spirit is blessed forever and ever. Amen.

© 2009 Ron Gordon (used with permission)

standing still
by Jenn Gordon
 
Luke 3: 7-18

it’s not enough that I come
because my family has always been connected
and it feels right

it’s not enough that I come
because it’s wise to subscribe to a higher ideal
than the dross on offer elsewhere

it’s not enough that I come
to mouth the words of prayers and songs
and float along
on the gasp of goodwill and grand plans

it will never be enough
until I shed my skin of self interest
and propensity for power
and turn around

so, burn refiner’s fire, burn
consume the chaff blown free by your holy breath
that wrapped itself around my heart
to falsely shield and shelter me

and then stripped bare,
let me come and stand in the ground of your grace
drink your blessing, put down roots
and in your season, bear the fruits

(Comments to Jenn at jennieg@labyrinth.net.au.)