Prayers of Praise and Confession, Thanks and Intercession.

Advent iii. The Forerunner.

John the Baptist said, "Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Prepare a way for the Lord; clear a straight path for him".

Let us pray:

Almighty God, you are merciful and holy, you said the word and the light shone out of the darkness, you have raise up for us a saviour who is Christ the Lord. You have, through him given us every opportunity to praise and glorify your name, so we pray that you may accept our worship this night, grant also to us all things needful for this life and for our salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with the father and the holy Spirit, be all honour praise and adoration.

Loving Father in the light of your holiness and perfection, we acknowledge our sin and offences against others and you. We remember the neglected opportunities, the temptations succumbed to, and we have forgotten you. Loving God, despite all this you hear us if we ask to be forgiven, enable us to accept it and to be positive in our outlook to you and to life and others.

Almighty God you provided a messenger to prepare the way for your Son, grant that we, as forgiven, might be your messengers in this town and parish, in the example of others who have gone before.

We know that we have much to be thankful for, for the rich and enhancing things of life this Christmas. For family, friends, food, and fellowship, we thank you. For the beauty of nature and the elements, all that is in the nature cycle we praise you. And above all the gift of Jesus, born that we might have new life. We thank you.

In our gratitude we are aware of many situations that are wrong in your world. We think of people disadvantaged by society and its insatiable greed, give to us a fairer society, asking that our Royal House may be sustained and we may live in peace. Loving God we remember all who hold power on a temporary basis, in this world, give to them a sense of Natural justice and fairplay.

Loving Lord God we remember all the people of our world who are living and dying unconcerned not knowing or caring about you and your love, grant to your church and society a deep concern for all such, that they would hear of you.

We remember those in our world with less than sufficient, for those with no homes food or prospects, Lord we ask and commit them to you and your love, asking for betterment for them, in simple ways that will engender pride and self sufficiency, in Christ's name.

And now Father we remember and pray for those families in this congregation who have suffered bereavement recently, for all who are frightened on their own, for all who are in hospital or waiting to be admitted for an operation or tests, we ask your peace and care and protection, enable them to turn to you in Jesus name and find your peace.

Loving God bless your word that it may not return to you void, but accomplish that to which you sent it. Bless all who take part in our service with your love and grace that they may experience the power of your spirit as they testify to your greatness and provision and continued concern for this world, and also for your future provision in the return of Jesus Christ. Until then hear us as we unite together in the words Jesus taught the disciples saying: Our Father which art in heaven hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.