Prayer for the World December 18, 2024
- Dec 17, 2024
- 3 min read
During Gaudete Week … Rejoice!
Introduction:
During this season of spiritual growth, let us remember the words of Pope Francis in The Joy of the Gospel: “Whenever we encounter another person in love, we learn something new about God. We become closer to God, and therefore, we are happier”. Let us seek to follow Jesus so we become witnesses of God’s love for us and the joy that that love brings to us.
Song: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
Come, Thou long expected Jesus Born to set Thy people free; From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in Thee. Israel's strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art; Dear desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart.
Joy to those who long to see thee, Dayspring from on high, appear; Come thou promised Rod of Jesse, Of the birth we long to hear! O’er the hills the angels singing new Glad tidings of a birth; “Go to him, your praises bringing: Christ the Lord has come to earth.”
Come to earth, to taste our sadness, He whose glories knew no end; By his life he brings us gladness, Our Redeemer, Shepherd, Friend. Leaving riches without number, Born within a cattle stall; this the everlasting wonder, Christ was born the Lord of all.
Born Thy people to deliver, Born a child and yet a King, Born to reign in us forever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring. By Thine own eternal Spirit Rule in all our hearts alone; By Thine all sufficient merit, Raise us to Thy glorious throne.
2008 Red Mountain Music. Words: Charles Wesley, Music: Rowlan Huw Prichard
Reflections on Gaudete Sunday by Pope Francis:
"The invitation to joy is characteristic of the season of Advent … This is joy: to point to Jesus." Pope Francis reflected on John the Baptist -- in his joy and in his testimony to the coming of Jesus Christ. St. John the Baptist "undertook a long journey to come to bear witness to Jesus," he pointed out. "The journey of joy is not a walk in the park. It takes work to always be joyful." "John left everything, to put God first, to listen to his Word with all his heart and all his strength," John became “freer to follow the wind of the Holy Spirit." Pope Francis encouraged Catholics to use the occasion of the Third Sunday of Advent, to reflect on whether they live their faith joyfully, and whether they convey the joy of being a Christian to others.
Pope Francis lamented that too many Christians look like they are attending a funeral wake. But we have so many reasons to rejoice, he said: "Christ is risen! Christ loves you!"
Silent Reflection:
Petitions:
For those experiencing grief and loss, let us pray … God hear our prayer
For those who are struggling with depression and sadness, let us pray …
For those who live with mental illness, let us pray …
For we, who seek to find the joy present in our lives, let us pray
For those who desire to witness joy to others with the hope that they too can find joy in their lives, let us pray …
Silent reflection:
Reading from Zep 3:14-18a
Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!
Sing joyfully, O Israel!
Be glad and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!
The LORD has removed the judgment against you
he has turned away your enemies;
the King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,
you have no further misfortune to fear.
On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem:
Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!
The LORD, your God, is in your midst,
a mighty savior;
he will rejoice over you with gladness,
and renew you in his love,
he will sing joyfully because of you,
as one sings at festivals.
Silent Reflection:
Let Us Pray: O God, who sees how your people faithfully await the feast of the Lord’s Nativity, enable us, we pray, to attain the joys of so great a salvation and to celebrate them always with solemn worship and glad rejoicing. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Song: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
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