To Dream God’s Dream
Service Prayers for the Second Sunday of Advent
December 6, 2015                     

Call to Worship  

The Reign of God is drawing near:	
The prophet calls us to change our lives!

Prepare the way for the Lord:		
A just and peaceful path!
	
	Welcome one another, for Christ welcomes you:	
For the glory of God!	
	
Invocation  	
	Holy God, 
We long for your peace, and trust in your promise; 
we hear your call to turn toward you, 
to change our lives and welcome you in.
	Meet us here and fill our minds with your wisdom 
and our hearts with your peace,
	that our worship together
	may open us to the challenge of your dream of wholeness for all.
	In the Name of the One who is coming, we pray.  Amen!

Call to Confession   

Oh God, you call us to turn our lives around, 
and work with patience and diligence to prepare the way for your Reign,
but we get discouraged and give up too soon.
		Lord, Have mercy.

Oh God, you call us to collaborate in community
to prepare the way your Reign,  
but we neither trust nor honor the gifts of others.
		Christ, have mercy.

Oh God, you call us to be full of joyful confidence 
to prepare the way for your Reign, 
but we burden ourselves with anxiety and fear.
		Lord, have mercy.

(a moment of silent prayer)

Forgive us, O God, and lead us in the ways of patience, community and joy. 

Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news:  Jesus, savior from sin, is present with us 
		in the painstaking work of the Reign of God  
		forgiving our weakness, rebuilding our relationships, restoring our joy.  
Let us celebrate this great grace by offering to one another a sign of Christ’s peace.

Passing the Peace

Call to Offering
The Ruler of Peace coming, the prophet says, 
and we await that Gift of God together; 
our gifts today in this season of waiting and hope 
help us to strengthen one another and to offer hope to the world 
as we look forward to that great day of everlasting joy.  
Let us gather our gifts together and present them as an offering to God.

Prayer of Dedication
	With these gifts, dear God, 
	accept the praise and thanksgiving of our hearts, 
	which rejoice in your goodness and love. 
	Let our gifts point to your presence in the world,
	and further your dream for the world
	through Jesus, Emmanuel, God-with-us.                             Amen.
	
Benediction
Let us go forth with eyes to see and ears to hear and voices to proclaim: 
		In the work of justice: Christ!
		In the practice of mercy: Christ!
		In good news for the poor: Christ!
		In the vision of peace: Christ!			Amen! Thanks be to God!

To Dream God’s Dream: Service Prayers for the Second Sunday of Advent,  was written by the Rev. Susan A. Blain, Minister Faith Formation; Curator of Worship and Liturgical Arts, Local Church Ministries.

Copyright 2015 Local Church Ministries, Faith Formation Ministry Team, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH  44115-1100.  Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education.  All publishing rights reserved.