Blessing Our Cities on Christmas Eve

Another prayer for "Presence"...

I pray for Lutheran Chick's friends, for Questing Parson, for friends in California, for a dear retired missionary and former professor who just lost his wife. As I type this I am deeply mindful of many who are grieving, waiting by bedsides, without homes, worshipping in silent and hidden places, wondering about employment...and on it goes. In the long period of time when God was "silent" (about 400 years) until the Angel spoke to Mary, the longing for Messiah's coming must have been intense. Thinking of these things, we pray together for our cities, towns, homes, as well as the world.

Psalm 72:6-7 May God come down like rain upon the mown grass, like showers that water the earth, in these days may the rightwoud flourish and may there be an abundance of peace till the moon is no more...

Prince of Peace, as we finish preparing for Christmas Eve services and other gatherings, we are deeply aware of how much we need you. As we each seek to welcome the flame of your holy presence, may those who walk in darkness see a great Light. Bring your wisdom, plant your joy, infuse your jubilant loveliness, add your mighty righteousness. Live in us and move and speak and love through us so that Your presence will become true peace, peace that "passes understanding." Amen