In the Fourth Sunday in Advent Reading (Matthew 1:18-25) we hear: “Mary will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins” (verse 21). Why is forgiveness so central to the Christmas season and so crucial for our faith? The answer comes in our Gospel Reading today, in which Jesus predicts Peter’s 3-fold denial.
Almighty and everlasting God, You are always more ready to hear than we to pray and always ready to give more than we either desire or deserve. Pour down on us the abundance of Your mercy; forgive us those things of which our conscience is afraid; and give us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask except by the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!
Humility, Faith, and Justification Read More »
Almighty God, grant that we, who for our evil deeds worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort
of your grace, may mercifully be relieved; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!
Be Reconciled to Others Read More »
In John 4, Jesus knows that this Samaritan woman is thirsty. How so? Everyone here today, every person you will cross paths with during the coming week, every individual on this planet is thirsty for a LIFE that is worthwhile, significant, meaningful, substantial; a life that has present and eternal value.
Quenching Our Soul Thirst Read More »
Father of our risen, ascended and glorified Lord, who has promised that those who believe in Christ as the true and living bread will never hunger nor thirst: By Your Holy Spirit, keep us steadfast in faith. Give us grace to live out our baptismal lives in repentance and forgiveness, and keep our eyes ever focused on the life that never ends, knowing that You will raise us up on the Last Day; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!
Can You Handle It? Read More »
Lord God, Your Gospel Word supports us through both good times and bad. Forgive us for the times when our words deny You. Restore us, so that the words we speak bless both You and the people entrusted to our care; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!
Return from Denial Read More »
Faithful God, Your love for us remains constant, even when we falter and fail. Help us to recognize our betrayals and to return to You by the cross of Jesus, where He paid for our sin with His life, so that our lives may be restored; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!
Return from Betrayal Read More »
O God, our refuge and strength, the author of all godliness, hear the devout prayers of Your Church, especially in times of persecution, and grant that what we ask in faith we may obtain; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!
Most merciful God, as the people of Jerusalem, with palms in their hands, gathered to greet Your dearly beloved Son when He came into His Holy City, grant that we may ever hail Him as our King and, when He comes again, may go forth to meet Him with trusting and steadfast hearts and follow Him in the way that leads to eternal life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!
Isolated, But Not Alone Read More »
Almighty and ever-living God, you love all that you have created and you forgive the sins of those who come to you with humble and contrite hearts. Create in us clean and honest hearts, so that, as we repent of our sins, we may receive full pardon and forgiveness; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!
The Disciples on Trial Read More »
